Missouri House passes bill to crack down on fentanyl trafficking

Apr. 29—The Missouri House of Representatives recently passed a bill that would create stricter penalties for those who traffic fentanyl.

Rep. David Casteel, a Republican from High Ridge, Missouri, filed Bill 2576, aiming to combat the opioid issue in Missouri, as drugs continue to enter and be distributed across the state.

The bill would toughen penalties for first- and second-degree drug trafficking charges by expanding the felony quantity range for fentanyl.

First-degree drug trafficking is when a person distributes or produces the drug; second-degree is when a person possesses, purchases or attempts to purchase it.

Currently, drug trafficking in the first degree is a Class B felony if the person distributes or produces more than 10 milligrams of fentanyl. The bill would amend the quantity, meaning trafficking as few as 3 milligrams and up to 14 milligrams would lead to the Class B felony.

Similarly, under the bill, second-degree drug trafficking would lead to a Class C felony for 3 milligrams to 14 milligrams.

Both penalties would move up to a more serious felony if a person traffics or possesses more than 14 milligrams.

In a statement, the bill's sponsor cited a rise in deaths related to fentanyl and related drugs as a reason to enact stricter punishments.

"We are sending a clear message that Missouri is committed to protecting our citizens and holding accountable those who seek to profit from the devastation of addiction," Casteel said.

Buchanan County Drug Strike Force Capt. Shawn Collie said drug trafficking happens too often in the area and many strands of fentanyl are the top drugs they're seeing come into St. Joseph.

"Fentanyl is one of those drugs that have become kind of a daily occurrence and something we're seeing every day," Collie said. "We're seeing a significant number of overdoses and medical side effects come from using this drug so for us, it's a daily thing trying to combat this problem."

Officials say it's challenging for people using drugs to fight drug addiction when many new drugs are hitting the streets by people who are looking to profit, which is my lawmakers are stepping up.

"The people selling these drugs are only looking for financial benefit," Collie said. "So, when you start enhancing the laws that we have, it's a good start. Obviously, the concerns after that are, there's a cause and effect. So as more people are being incarcerated for the distribution, it's going to be up to our courts and the Department of Corrections to keep those people in jail and to make sure that they're being punished accordingly."

The bill will now go to the Missouri Senate for further consideration.

Jenna Wilson can be reached at jenna.wilson@newspressnow.com.