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![handle is hein.crs/govefmf0001 and id is 1 raw text is: Congressional
* Research Service
Informing the Iegist tive debate since 1914___________________
Illicit Fentanyl and Weapons of Mass
Destruction: International Controls and Policy
Options
March 28, 2022
As synthetic opioid overdose deaths in the United States reach historic levels, some policy stakeholders
have sought U.S. action in designating fentanyl as a weapon of mass destruction (WMD). Such calls have
also prompted congressional interest. Although a statutory designation of fentanyl as a WMD does not
appear necessary for additional executive branch action to address fentanyl as an illicit drug or chemical
weapon, Congress may consider developing legislation to improve upon perceived shortcomings in the
U.S. government's approach to addressing fentanyl.
Background
Various observers draw rhetorical comparisons between fentanyl abuse and WMDs. For example, the
congressionally mandated Commission on Combating Synthetic Opioid Trafficking assessed in February
2022 that [i]n terms of loss of life and damage to the economy, illicit synthetic opioids have the effect of
a slow-motion weapon of mass destruction.
Others, including some Members of Congress, note the possible use of fentanyl as a weapon; in media
reports, observers have speculated that fentanyl's increasing availability may prompt U.S. adversaries and
non-state actors to weaponize the drug.
Governments have also recently committed to restricting the use of central nervous system-acting (CNS)
chemicals, including fentanyl, in law enforcement and other security operations. (In 2002, the Russian
military reportedly deployed an aerosolized form of fentanyl to incapacitate terrorists holding hostages in
a Moscow theater; the gas also killed more than 120 of the hostages.)
Narcotics Controls
Most U.S.-consumed illicit fentanyl is foreign-sourced-and combating such foreign production and
U.S.-destined trafficking flows remains an ongoing congressional topic of oversight and legislation.
Within the past three years, Mexico has emerged as the primary source and transit point for illicit fentanyl
Congressional Research Service
https://crsreports.congress.gov
IN11902
CRS INSIGHT
Prepared for Members and
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