Georgia Legislation Targets Fentanyl Trafficking with New Law
Effective July 1, 2023, Senate Bill 79 intensifies penalties for fentanyl-related offenses.
Georgia— As drug-related fatalities rise, Georgia prepares to implement its Fentanyl Eradication and Removal Act, known as Senate Bill 79, on July 1. This legislation aims to impose stricter consequences on individuals involved in the trafficking of fentanyl, one of the deadliest drugs on the market.
Stringent Penalties for Traffickers
Under the new law, anyone caught selling, manufacturing, or distributing just 28 grams—approximately one ounce—of fentanyl may face up to 35 years in prison and fines reaching $750,000. District Attorney Eric Edwards highlighted the increasing urgency of the situation: “When you’re talking about something that is so much more deadly than any other substance we regularly encounter, the penalty for its possession should be harsher.”
Local Impact and Law Enforcement Response
In a three-month operation in Houston County this year, law enforcement officials seized over 500 grams of fentanyl, translating to an estimated 266,000 lethal doses prevented from reaching potential users. While Edwards noted the county’s population size correlates with a higher case volume, he confirmed that the incidence of fentanyl is not necessarily more prevalent than in surrounding areas.
Broader Legislative Context
Senate Bill 79 is part of a comprehensive legislative package aimed at addressing crime and refining public safety measures, with about 100 new laws slated to take effect simultaneously. Among these, significant new measures include:
- HB 176: Clarifies appeal rights for unresolved charges and extends the timeline for withdrawing guilty pleas.
- HB 582 (Georgia Survivor Justice Act): Allows victims of domestic abuse to present trauma evidence during sentencing.
- HB 199: Limits public access to the personally identifiable information of judges and officials.
- HB 161: Expands the Georgia Bureau of Investigation’s subpoena power in cybercrime cases.
Governor Brian Kemp expressed a commitment to combating drug abuse and enhancing judicial system efficiency, reflecting the state’s broader efforts to tackle rising crime rates.
Conclusion
As July 1 approaches, the community is urged to prepare for the implications of the Fentanyl Eradication and Removal Act. Officials hope that the new penalties will deter trafficking and help address the ongoing public health crisis linked to opioid abuse.
Stay tuned for updates as Georgia implements these changes and monitors their impact on crime and community safety.
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Bio: Marcus is a community-based journalist passionate about reporting impactful stories that matter most to readers.