LANSING — The Michigan House approved harsher penalties for fentanyl distribution this week, while state officials provided updates on opioid use in Michigan.
The proposal — HB 4256 — would establish a mandatory minimum sentence for those convicted of fentanyl manufacturing or possession with intent to distribute, ranging from 5 to 30 years.
“Traffickers bringing fentanyl into our communities are not just small-time drug dealers,” said Rep. Dave Prestin, (R) District 108, Cedar River. “The amounts of poison that they are smuggling could kill whole cities.”
According to the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services, around 2,000 people died last year from opioid drug overdoses. That figure is down from around 3,000 in previous years — but officials say there’s still more to be done
Opponents of the increased penalties argue the policy is too hard on those struggling with drug addiction.
“This legislation does not meet vulnerable people where they are,” said Rep. Carrie Rheingans, (D) District 47, Ann Arbor. “It will hurt those who are addicted to opioids, treating them as criminals instead of as human beings who are suffering from disease. We tried the war on drugs in the 1980s.”
Supporters say that harsher penalties for fentanyl distribution can be coupled with investments in recovery and treatment efforts.
“We want to ensure that we are meeting the goal of getting these drugs off the streets and making sure the offenders pay for their part in these heinous crimes,” said Rep. Ann Bollin, (R) District 49, Brighton Twp.
Lt. Ashley Miller with the Michigan State Police in Gaylord says authorities are seeing people overdose after unknowingly taking opioids when they thought they were using another drug.
Miller especially encourages parents to keep an eye on their kids.
”Us as parents, we really need to be involved in our children’s life and make sure that we are being open and honest about the effects of these drugs so they don’t go down the path that they can’t get out of,” she said.
Miller promoted MSP’s Angel Program, where those suffering from drug addiction can request help without the risk being arrested.
“It allows any citizen that has a substance abuse problem walk into any state police post for help without fear of being arrested or retaliation because of this,” she said. “And we have staff on hand that actually help with getting that individual into treatment.”
More information on opioid use and resources can be found with the state of Michigan’s website.
Miller also promoted April 26 as national Drug Take Back Day. All Michigan State Police posts will accept unwanted or illicit pills from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., no questions asked.
Those not able to participate on the 26th can anonymously surrender unwanted pills at MSP posts during the week as well.