Press Releases

Congressmen Fry, Pfluger, Panetta, and Davis Introduce Legislation to Crack Down on Synthetic Drugs

Washington, D.C. — U.S. Congressmen Russell Fry (SC-07), August Pfluger (TX-11), Jimmy Panetta (CA-19), and Don Davis (NC-1) introduced the Stop Importation and Manufacturing of Synthetic Analogues (SIMSA) Act. This legislation would target deadly drugs with substantially similar chemical structures to already-controlled substances that are carefully engineered to come into the United States undetected. Oftentimes, these drugs come from China or Mexico. 

“I am proud to introduce the Stop Importation and Manufacturing of Synthetic Analogues Act to crack down on the synthetic drugs plaguing our communities across the country,” said Congressman Fry. “This legislation will help our law enforcement stop this influx of deadly drugs and ultimately save lives.”

Congressman Pfluger said, “Drug traffickers are constantly exploiting loopholes in our laws by creating drugs that mimic the effects of controlled substances but are not yet classified as illegal to evade regulation. The SIMSA Act will give law enforcement the tools they need to stay ahead of these criminals and protect our communities from these emerging drug threats. By enhancing the DEA’s ability to respond to these new substances quickly, we are taking a critical step in combating the opioid crisis and other drug-related harms.”

Current law prohibits the unauthorized use of certain controlled substances. However, illicit drug manufacturers and importers often evade these laws by making slight modifications to the chemical structure of controlled substances, resulting in “analogues” that have similar effects but are not yet regulated. Currently, these uncontrolled substances must undergo a lengthy analysis before the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) can permanently schedule them.

The SIMSA Act allows the DEA to temporarily classify substances as Schedule A if they meet two criteria: (1) their chemical structure is substantially similar to that of a controlled substance, and (2) they are expected to have the same or more significant effect on the human body. This legislation would subject manufacturers, exporters, and importers of these substances to the criminal penalties associated with Schedule A. 

Additionally, the bill ensures that legitimate research on Schedule A substances can continue. Overall, SIMSA equips law enforcement with the tools needed to combat drug cartels and address emerging synthetic drug threats.

Companion legislation has been introduced in the U.S. Senate by Senators Chuck Grassley (R-IA) and Maggie Hassan (D-NH). 

This legislation is endorsed by the Fraternal Order of Police and the National Association of Police Organizations. 

Representative Fry serves on the House Judiciary Committee, the House Oversight Committee, and the Select Committee on the Weaponization of the Federal Government. He also serves as the Republican freshman class president. To stay up to date with Representative Fry and his work for the Seventh District, follow his official Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter pages and visit his website at fry.house.gov.

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