Illicit Fentanyl and Weapons of Mass Destruction: International Controls and Policy Options

Abstract

As synthetic opioid overdose deaths in the United States reach historic levels, some policy stakeholders have sought U.S. action in designating fentanyl as a weapon of mass destruction (WMD). Such calls have also prompted congressional interest. Although a statutory designation of fentanyl as a WMD does not appear necessary for additional executive branch action to address fentanyl as an illicit drug or chemical weapon, Congress may consider developing legislation to improve upon perceived shortcomings in the U.S. governments approach to addressing fentanyl.

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Document Details

Document Type
Technical Report
Publication Date
Mar 28, 2022
Accession Number
AD1182361

Entities

People

  • Iiana W Rosen
  • Paul K. Kerr

Organizations

  • Library of Congress

Tags

Communities of Interest

  • Biomedical

DTIC Thesaurus Topics

  • Chemical Weapons
  • Congress
  • Department Of Homeland Security
  • Executives
  • Fentanyl
  • Governments
  • Homeland Security
  • Law
  • Law Enforcement
  • Medical Personnel
  • Narcotics
  • National Security
  • Opioids
  • President (United States)
  • Public Health
  • Security
  • United States
  • United States Government
  • Weapons
  • Weapons Of Mass Destruction

Readers

  • Government and Public Administration Law.
  • Munitions and Ordnance Engineering
  • Neurotrauma and Rehabilitation Medicine.