Today, Governor Josh Stein called for the establishment of a Fentanyl Control Unit in North Carolina. He was joined by law enforcement officials and residents affected by the fentanyl crisis to advocate for funding dedicated to combating the flow of narcotics into the state.
Governor Stein emphasized the urgency of addressing the issue, stating, “Too many North Carolinians continue to die from fentanyl and too many families have lost a loved one to overdose. We must do more to stop the fentanyl crisis and save lives.” He urged the North Carolina House to approve a budget that supports this initiative, which aims to enhance community safety and empower law enforcement.
Debbie Dalton, founder of HD Life Foundation and an advocate for fentanyl awareness, shared her personal tragedy: “Losing my son to a fentanyl overdose is a heartbreak that will never heal. Our state must do everything it can so that more families do not find themselves with that same grief.”
The proposed 2025-2027 budget includes provisions for a specialized unit comprising law enforcement officers and prosecutors focused on removing fentanyl from circulation. As Attorney General, Stein led efforts with other state attorneys general against opioid companies, securing over $55 billion in settlements, including more than $1 billion allocated to North Carolina. Additionally, he advocated for federal investment in border fentanyl scanners and supported legislation like the Stop Counterfeit Pill Act.
