S. 860: Break Up Suspicious Transactions of Fentanyl Act

This bill, titled the "Break Up Suspicious Transactions of Fentanyl Act" or "BUST FENTANYL Act," aims to address the trafficking and production of synthetic opioids, particularly fentanyl, entering the United States. Here’s a summary of its key components:

Amendments to Reporting Requirements

The bill modifies the existing International Narcotics Control Strategy Report to:

• Change the submission deadline for the report from March 1 to June 1.
• Focus on reporting chemical precursors that significantly affect the production of methamphetamine in the U.S., replacing the previous reference to pseudoephedrine.

Study and Reporting on Fentanyl Trafficking

It requires a comprehensive report from the Secretary of State and the Attorney General within 180 days of enactment to detail:

• U.S. government efforts to have China control unregulated fentanyl precursors.
• A plan for enhanced cooperation with China to combat the production and trafficking of illicit fentanyl.
• Interactions with financial institutions in China regarding money laundering linked to fentanyl trafficking.
• To assess the effectiveness of ongoing international collaborations, particularly with Canada and Mexico, to mitigate fentanyl trafficking.

Establishment of DEA Offices in China

The bill also mandates a classified briefing on efforts to establish Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) offices in Shanghai and Guangzhou, indicating a push for more direct enforcement capabilities in China.

Prioritization of Identifying Individuals from China

It emphasizes the identification of individuals and entities from China involved in fentanyl trafficking. This prioritization will remain until it is certified that China is no longer a primary source of such trafficking.

Expansion of Sanctions

The legislative proposal expands the sanctions outlined in existing fentanyl-related laws. It authorizes the President to sanction any foreign entities that have significantly contributed to opioid trafficking or related financial transactions.

Sanctions on Foreign State Agencies

The bill also grants the President authority to impose sanctions on foreign state agencies involved in opioid trafficking activities, further expanding the scope of existing sanctions.

Annual Reporting on Methamphetamine Smuggling

Finally, it mandates an annual report detailing the primary sources of methamphetamine smuggling from Mexico, along with actions taken by these countries to control the trafficking of associated precursor chemicals.

Relevant Companies

• None found