Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis signed new legislation on Monday targeting Fentanyl dealers that push the deadly drug on children, increasing fines and penalties.
The new law, HB 1359, imposes additional penalties on fentanyl and other drug-related crimes when the drug looks like a piece of candy that targets children.
The late specifies penalties making those who traffic such substances eligible for a life sentence and imposing a minimum 25-year sentence and a $1 million penalty.
The new law also makes it a first-degree felony to possess, sell, or manufacture fentanyl and other controlled substances that resemble candy.
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“Florida is a law-and-order state with a 50-year record low crime rate and double-digit year-over-year decreases in murder, burglary, and overall crime,” said Governor Ron DeSantis. “For three consecutive legislative sessions we have enacted tough-on-crime policies, and this year we are continuing to implement measures to protect our communities and keep Florida safe, with a particular emphasis on keeping criminals in jail and throwing the book at pedophiles.”
Fentanyl is a powerful synthetic opioid that is 50 to 100 times more potent than morphine. It is often used as a pain reliever in hospitals, but it is also increasingly being used as a recreational drug. Fentanyl is highly addictive and can be deadly in even small doses.
In recent years, there are more cases of fentanyl being mixed with candy and other food items. This is a dangerous practice, as it can lead to accidental overdose, especially in children.
Fentanyl is odorless and tasteless, so it can be difficult to detect. It is also colorless, so it can be easily mixed with other substances, such as candy. This makes it easy for people to unknowingly ingest fentanyl, which can lead to serious health problems or even death.
In the news: 6-Time Convicted Felon Arrested For Trafficking Fentanyl With 4-Month-Old Infant In The Car
If you find candy or other food items that you suspect may have been laced with fentanyl, do not eat them. Instead, contact the authorities immediately.
Here are some tips to help you stay safe from fentanyl-laced candy:
- Do not accept candy or other food items from strangers.
- Be careful about what you eat, especially at parties or other events where you may not know the source of the food.
- If you find candy or other food items that you suspect may have been laced with fentanyl, do not eat them. Instead, contact the authorities immediately.
If you or someone you know has overdosed on fentanyl, call 911 immediately. Fentanyl overdose can be fatal, but it is treatable with naloxone, a medication that can reverse the effects of an opioid overdose.
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