SACRAMENTO – Assemblyman Jim Patterson (R-Fresno) announced his plans for the Accountability for Fentanyl Dealers Act at a press conference Monday before being sworn in to the California State Assembly.
Assemblyman Patterson was alerted by Fresno County District Attorney Lisa Smittcamp to a loophole in the law that is sending dangerous drug dealers and suppliers right back out into our neighborhoods and schools.
Current laws used to determine sentencing for dealers are written based on how much the drugs seized weigh. They do not take into account the fact that as little as two milligrams of fentanyl – about 5 grains of salt is enough to kill someone.
“Since such a small amount of fentanyl can have deadly consequences, it’s vital that we change the way we hold dealers and suppliers accountable.”
–Assemblymember Jim Patterson (R-Fresno)
“Right now someone caught with a huge sack full of 1,000 pills will likely only face a minimal drug charge, said Assemblymember Patterson. “They will be back on the streets even though the pills they are selling could kill many people based on how deadly they are.”
Patterson has authored several measures to address fentanyl related issues and was recently appointed as a member of the newly created Assembly Select Committee on Fentanyl, Opioid Addiction, and Overdose Prevention.
Listen to the report by KMJ’s Liz Kern.
