Biden official claims social media firms unhelpful on fentanyl crisis.

Social Media Companies Urged to Take Action on Fentanyl Crisis

Anne Milgram, head of the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA), has expressed her disappointment with the lack of cooperation from social media companies in addressing the fentanyl crisis. During an appearance on NBC’s “Meet The Press,” she emphasized the urgent need for their support.

According to Ms. Milgram, social media companies are required to comply with their terms of service, which prohibit the sale of drugs on their platforms. They are also expected to provide requested information to law enforcement agencies, including the DEA.

“This is a dire situation, and they must do everything in their power to remove these deadly drugs from their platforms,” she added.

Fentanyl Crisis in the United States

Provisional data from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) reveals that over two-thirds of the reported 107,081 drug overdose deaths in the United States in 2022 involved synthetic opioids, particularly illicitly manufactured fentanyl (IMF). Fentanyl is responsible for more deaths among Americans under 50 than any other cause, surpassing heart disease, cancer, and other accidents.

Addressing the Crisis

The Biden administration has requested $46.1 billion from Congress to tackle national drug control programs, reflecting a $5 billion increase from the previous fiscal year’s request. Republicans have criticized President Joe Biden’s border policies, attributing them to the fentanyl crisis.

Ms. Milgram acknowledged that the majority of fentanyl enters the United States through the southwest border. She emphasized the importance of border control in combating the crisis.

Furthermore, social media plays a significant role in the crisis as it serves as the “last mile” for cartels to sell fentanyl to users, according to Ms. Milgram.

Chinese Fentanyl Manufacturers Face Charges

In a groundbreaking development, the Justice Department has filed criminal charges against four Chinese chemical manufacturing companies and eight individuals. These charges allege their involvement in the illegal trafficking of chemicals used to produce fentanyl.