Ricketts, McCormick, Schmitt Introduce the Nitazene Sanctions Act

WASHINGTON, D.C. - Today, U.S. Senator Pete Ricketts (R-NE), alongside Senators Dave McCormick (R-PA) and Eric Schmitt (R-MO), introduced the Nitazene Sanctions Act. Nitazenes are a dangerous class of synthetic opioids that often exceed the potency of fentanyl. The opioids, most of which originate in Communist China, are so strong that even trace amounts can trigger a fatal overdose. The Nitazene Sanctions Act would expand sanctions on persons and entities in Communist China to include those that support the manufacturing of nitazenes. This legislation would also require a strategy to combat the flow of nitazenes from Communist China.

"Nitazenes could become the next fentanyl crisis if not stopped," said Ricketts. "It's already killed thousands of Europeans, and it's quickly making its way to our shores. The Nitazene Sanctions Act will unleash sweeping sanctions against those in Communist China who are helping to poison and kill Americans."

"If we're going to prevent nitazenes from becoming the next fentanyl, we need coordination within the federal government and sanctions to crack down on the production and trafficking of this deadly narcotic," said McCormick. "I'm grateful to Senator Ricketts for his leadership and commitment to keeping our communities safe."

"Nitazenes are powerful synthetic opioids which overwhelmingly originate from Communist China," said Schmitt. "The Nitazene Sanctions Act will combat this deadly drug by unleashing devastating sanctions against any entity in Communist China that is manufacturing this deadly drug to poison and kill American citizens."

The Nitazene Sanctions Act would:

• Require a report from the Secretary of State and the Attorney General on the role of the People's Republic of China (PRC) and financial institutions that support the production of nitazene precursors;
• Require a plan from the Secretary of State and the Attorney General to work with the PRC to reduce the production of nitazene precursors;
• Require a strategy to work with European allies and partners to combat the flow of nitazene precursors;
• And amend the Fentanyl sanctions to include 2-benzylbenzimidazole opioids, which will allow the President to designate any entity of the PRC that the President determines produces, manufactures, distributes, sells, or knowingly finances the production of nitazene precursors.

BACKGROUND:

Unlike opium, Nitazene and synthetic opioids can be produced anywhere in the world using precursor chemicals that are often uncontrolled and widely available. Chemical manufacturers in Communist China can easily synthesize nitazene precursors. The Drug Enforcement Administration has warned that Mexican cartels could use their existing relations with suppliers based in Communist China to funnel nitazenes into the United States.

Bill text can be found here.