Mayor Jenny Wilson is requesting the allocation of $390,000 from the recent opioid settlement to bolster law enforcement’s ability to dismantle drug cartels and keep dangerous drugs off the streets.
The Mayor’s initiative would restore two dedicated officers to the DEA Metro Narcotics Task Force, which were previously cut. These new positions will prioritize education, community engagement and prevention efforts, collaborating with residents, educators, and organizations to raise awareness about the dangers of opioid misuse and overdoses.
“We’re taking a two-pronged approach on this issue,” Mayor Wilson says. “While we work to prevent addiction before it starts, these additional resources will empower law enforcement to dismantle the source of the problem – the drug cartels flooding our streets with fentanyl and other opioids.”
The recent surge of fentanyl in Salt Lake County is a critical public safety issue. Since 2019, 1.82 million fake pills containing fentanyl have been seized, highlighting the need for additional enforcement. This powerful synthetic opioid is significantly more potent than heroin and can be deadly in even small doses. By investing in these combined efforts. This initiative is a key component of our comprehensive strategy to leverage opioid settlement funds for education, awareness campaigns, and preventive measures.
