Southern Wisconsin Times

FRANKLIN, WI – On August 17, Congressman Bryan Steil (WI-01) hosted a roundtable in Milwaukee County focused on combating illicit fentanyl. Steil was joined by local and national law enforcement officials, notably including U.S. Customs and Border Protection and North Central High Intensity Drug Trafficking Areas (HIDTA),  state legislative leaders, and medical experts to discuss ways local communities and the federal government can protect communities in Wisconsin from illicit fentanyl.

"Last year, there were over 600 overdose deaths from illicit fentanyl in Milwaukee County. I am committed to supporting our law enforcement who are on the front lines fighting fentanyl. I will continue to work with local, state, and federal leaders to keep our communities safe from this dangerous drug," said Rep. Bryan Steil.

"CBP is leading the federal government's efforts to stop dangerous drugs like fentanyl and its production materials like precursors and pill presses from entering the country. Every day, CBP officers, Border Patrol agents, and Air and Marine Operations agents continue to interdict the flow of illicit narcotics across the border through a layered, multifaceted approach both at POEs and between them. The fight to keep drugs out of our communities goes beyond finished products. We're targeting the supply chains and the networks behind them while working with our federal, state, local, and foreign partners to help with investigations. CBP continues to adapt and utilize all of its available resources, including canine teams and non-intrusive technology, to stop these dangerous drugs from entering our communities," said U.S. Customs and Border Protection. 

"Pharmacists are among the most accessible public sources of opioid overdose information and resources to communities across Wisconsin. Our research team has engaged pharmacy networks to help pharmacists save more lives by implementing scientifically-driven approaches that could lower overdose deaths and reduce misuse of opioids, including fentanyl-associated compounds," said Cody Wenthur, professor at the University of Wisconsin-Madison School of Pharmacy.

Background: 

Congressman Steil has hosted fentanyl roundtables across Wisconsin’s First Congressional District in Kenosha County, Racine County, and Rock County. Steil continues to lead efforts in Congress to fight against illicit fentanyl. This Congress, the House passed the HALT Fentanyl Act, legislation that makes fentanyl-related substances a permanent Schedule I drug. Steil led 116 Members of Congress in a letter to President Biden urging the President to take action to combat illicit fentanyl.

Recently, the DEA has advised the public of an alarming trend of fentanyl mixed with xylazine. Xylazine is a powerful sedative that the U.S. Food and Drug Administration has approved for veterinary use. This trend is especially concerning, as the DEA reported that in 2022 approximately 23% of fentanyl powder seized by the DEA contained xylazine.

Attendees at the roundtable included:

Congressman Bryan Steil

Vice President Alexander Ayala, Milwaukee Police Association

Chief Deputy Daniel Hughes, Milwaukee County Sheriff’s Office

Michael Pfeiffer, USCBP Port Area Chicago

Executive Director Ryan Shogren, North Central High Intensity Drug Trafficking Areas (HIDTA)

Assistant Chief Craig Liermann, Franklin Police Department

Chief William Jessup, South Milwaukee Police Department

Chief Ryan Rosenow, Greendale Police Department

Lt. Jeremy Harcus, St. Francis Police Department

Dr. Cody Wenthur, University of Wisconsin School of Pharmacy

State Sen. Julian Bradley

State Rep. Jesse Rodriguez

Anita Charlet, Kenosha County constituent who tragically lost her son to fentanyl

Original source can be found here.