S. 938: Joint Task Force to Counter Illicit Synthetic Narcotics Act of 2025

This bill, known as the Joint Task Force to Counter Illicit Synthetic Narcotics Act of 2025, proposes the establishment of a new task force to address the issues surrounding illicit synthetic narcotics, particularly those contributing to the opioid crisis in the United States. Here are the main components of the bill:

Background and Purpose

The bill highlights the significant public health crisis in the U.S. due to substance abuse and addiction leading to high mortality rates, particularly from opioids. It acknowledges that while many agencies at various levels of government are working to combat this epidemic, there is currently no central organization that can coordinate efforts and facilitate communication between these entities.

Establishment of the Task Force

• Joint Task Force (JTF–ISN): The bill creates a joint task force specifically focused on countering illicit synthetic narcotics.
• Membership: The task force will consist of representatives from various federal agencies, including:
  • The Department of Justice (including DEA and FBI)
  • The Department of the Treasury (including criminal investigation units)
  • The Department of Homeland Security (including Customs and Border Protection)
  • The Department of State
  • The Department of Commerce
  • The Department of Defense
  • The Office of the Director of National Intelligence
• Leadership: A Director, appointed by the President, will lead the task force.

Primary Missions

The main objectives of the task force will include:

• Coordinating federal, state, and local efforts to combat opioid and synthetic narcotics trafficking.
• Conducting operations against trafficking networks, including raids and seizures.
• Collaborating on sanctions enforcement and legal actions against individuals and entities involved in such trafficking, especially with regards to ties to foreign nations like China.

Authority and Limitations

The task force will have the authority to:

• Investigate federal law violations related to the trafficking of illicit synthetic narcotics.
• Prosecute trafficking offenses and associated financial crimes.
• Facilitate information sharing among member agencies.
• Conduct operational activities such as raids targeting synthetic narcotics suppliers.

However, the Director is restricted from directing actions outside the scope of counter-opioid efforts against specific trafficking networks.

Reporting Requirements

The Director is required to report biannually to Congress detailing:

• Progress and ongoing plans for combating illicit synthetic narcotics.
• Goals and budget priorities for the task force.
• Efforts to address international aspects of the opioid crisis, particularly connections with the People's Republic of China.

Internal Structure

The task force will include specific divisions for:

• Intelligence coordination to analyze trafficking organizations.
• Strategic operational planning for counter-narcotics missions.
• An Office of General Counsel to provide legal support.
• An Office of Congressional Coordination to manage communications with Congress.

Retention of Existing Authorities

Each member of the task force will maintain their current authority to investigate and prosecute related trafficking crimes.

Rule of Construction

The bill clarifies that it does not authorize the task force to investigate or prosecute individuals for personal drug use or low-level drug offenses that do not connect to larger trafficking operations.

Relevant Companies

None found.