Carter lands rapid fentanyl detection funding for Augusta University

WASHINGTON, D.C. - Rep. Earl L. "Buddy" Carter (R-GA) today landed $450,000 in funding for Augusta University to develop an instrument that improves current detection methods of narcotics and other substances, including fentanyl, in the House-passed Commerce, Justice, Science; Energy and Water Development; and Interior and Environment Appropriations Act, 2026.

This funding will assist in providing rapid, accurate data analysis to field operations agents, increasing their safety by limiting exposure to harmful, even life-threatening, substances.

"My background in pharmacy gives me a unique understanding of the dangers of fentanyl, exposure to which poses a risk to our brave law enforcement agents even in the smallest of quantities. I applaud Augusta University for its leadership in protecting Georgians against illicit substances, which will make our communities and those who defend them against criminal activity safer," said Rep. Carter.

"As a national leader in education and research, Augusta University continues to demonstrate our ability to drive innovation that improves lives. Augusta University's chair of the Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry in the College of Science and Mathematics, Dr. Guido Verbeck, is helping protect communities and advance solutions that save lives. Congressman Carter's commitment to securing this funding for Augusta University will support critical research and drive the development of innovative technologies aimed at addressing one of the most urgent challenges facing our society. The fentanyl crisis has devastated countless families in Georgia and across our nation, and this investment represents an important step toward meaningful solutions," said Augusta University President Russell T. Keen. "I am deeply grateful for Congressman Carter's continued commitment to this project, which aims to develop a safer and more rapid approach to detecting fentanyl and its almost 300 analogs. This investment will further expand Augusta University's interdisciplinary research and reinforces our role as a hub for discovery."

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