San Diego federal prosecutor urges congress to make fentanyl-related drugs illegal

SAN DIEGO (KUSI) – San Diego’s top federal prosecutor is urging congress to extend an order to make all fentanyl-related drugs illegal.

The prosecutor is joining other federal and state attorneys who are urging Congress to extend an order that criminalizes possession of the dangerous opioid fentanyl and related substances.

Fentanyl is a synthetic opioid that is considered much more dangerous than heroin or methamphetamine. Heroin laced with fentanyl has led to overdose deaths.

In February 2018, the Drug Enforcement Administration issued an emergency two-year order that made all fentanyl-related substances illegal. That order expires Feb. 6.

Now many are calling for action to make fentanyl and related substances illegal on a permanent basis.