SE Kansas News

U.S. Senators Jerry Moran (R-Kan.), John Cornyn (R-Texas), Chris Coons (D-Del.), Amy Klobuchar (D-Minn.), and Maria Cantwell (D-Wash.) introduced the Fight Illicit Pill Presses Act on August 2, 2024. The bill aims to combat the production of counterfeit and fentanyl-laced pills by making it easier for federal law enforcement to take action against cartels' illegal use of pill presses. It requires these machines to be engraved with serial numbers.

"Fentanyl has taken the lives of thousands of Americans and continues to be a leading cause of death in the United States," stated one senator. "By imposing penalties for removing or altering serial numbers on pill presses, law enforcement will be able to more effectively target those responsible for the production of counterfeit fentanyl-laced pills and help prevent drug traffickers from flooding our country with these deadly fake pills."

Another senator added, "Seven out of ten pills seized by the DEA are laced with a lethal dose of fentanyl, underscoring just how easy it is for this silent killer to permeate in our communities and take the lives of our innocent and unsuspecting loved ones. By requiring the serialization of pill presses, this bill will help law enforcement better detect, trace, and prosecute the cartels who are using this machinery to produce these deadly pills."

A further statement emphasized Congress's role: "Even as the Biden administration continues to crack down on fentanyl supply chains, there is more Congress can do to address the current leading cause of death for younger Americans. The Fight Illicit Pill Presses Act will target an underappreciated but critical part of the fentanyl supply chain: pill press machines used for illicit purposes."

The impact on families was also highlighted: "Fentanyl has devastated families across Minnesota and this crisis is being fueled by those who use pill presses to make counterfeit drugs. We need to do more to fight traffickers and protect communities. This bipartisan legislation will require all pill presses to have a serial number, which will help law enforcement keep track of pill presses, fight counterfeit pill production, reduce overdoses, and ultimately save lives."

In 2023 alone, the U.S. Drug Enforcement Agency (DEA) seized over 80 million fentanyl-laced pills. With these illicit drugs rising in prevalence, many cartels have obtained access to similar types of pill presses used by pharmaceutical companies, creating counterfeit pills often indistinguishable from legitimate medication.

The Controlled Substances Act currently mandates companies maintain records on distributing pill press equipment aiding DEA tracking efforts. Despite seizures in 43 states suggesting widespread use among cartels, reports indicate only a small number are captured.

The Fight Illicit Pill Presses Act seeks amendments requiring all encapsulating or tableting machines be engraved with serial numbers while imposing criminal penalties for removing or altering them or possessing such altered equipment.

Endorsements include National HIDTA Directors Association, National Narcotic Officers' Associations' Coalition, Federal Law Enforcement Officers Association, Major County Sheriffs of America, Sergeants Benevolent NYPD Union Local 237-NYPD Retirees Division Executive Board & CPAC among others.

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