Governor Abbott Directs State Agencies To Ramp Up Anti-Fentanyl Efforts

Governor Abbott today sent a letter to state agency leaders directing them to ramp up state efforts to combat the deadly fentanyl crisis impacting communities across Texas and the nation. With an 89% increase in fentanyl-related deaths reported in Texas in 2021 compared to 2020, the deadly synthetic opioid is endangering Texans of all ages. This deadly drug is being trafficked into Texas by Mexican cartels, which are disguising the pills to look like legitimate prescription drugs and even candy to target children.

“Fentanyl’s potency and deceptiveness, combined with the federal government’s unwillingness to take border security seriously, pose a grave threat to Texans,” reads the letter. “We must take all appropriate actions to inform Texans of this danger and prevent additional deaths. Together we can help bring awareness to the threat posed by fentanyl and do our part to address this crisis.”