DHS Secretary Urges Closure of Green List Loopholes to Combat Fentanyl
DHS Secretary Markwayne Mullin calls for legislative action to close green list loopholes and combat fentanyl smuggling.
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Department of Homeland Security Secretary Markwayne Mullin has urged Congress to close loopholes in the FDA green list to prevent the influx of fentanyl into the United States. During a policy event with Breitbart News, Mullin highlighted the growing threat of synthetic opioids and the need for legislative intervention to address the crisis.
Fentanyl Crisis and Jurisdictional Challenges
Mullin discussed the challenges posed by the green list, which allows certain products to enter the country with less scrutiny. He emphasized that while Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) has been effective in intercepting fentanyl, the jurisdictional complexities involving the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) create gaps that Congress must address.
He noted that while fentanyl interdictions have increased due to pressure on the southern border, the issue has shifted to the interior, where a significant fentanyl lab bust was recently uncovered on a reservation. Mullin explained that the jurisdictional issues on reservations create a loophole that allows cartels and organized crime to operate with relative impunity.
International Sources and the Need for Action
Mullin also pointed to the increasing presence of fentanyl from India and China, emphasizing the need for swift action to shut down these smuggling routes. He stressed that every time fentanyl is intercepted, the authorities must act quickly to close the gaps and prevent further entry into the country.
Despite the challenges, Mullin expressed confidence in the efforts of HSI and the broader Homeland Security team. However, he made it clear that legislative action is necessary to ensure that the green list does not become a pathway for dangerous substances to enter the United States.
Call for Legislative Oversight
Mullin underscored that Congress has a critical role in addressing the jurisdictional issues and ensuring that the authorities necessary to combat fentanyl are properly allocated. He warned that without such action, the country will continue to face significant risks from synthetic opioids and organized crime.
Source: Breitbart
