U.S Senators Roger Marshall, M.D. and 12 Republican Senators today released a Public Service Announcement (PSA) warning parents about the dangers of illicit fentanyl ahead of Halloween as the drug cartels have begun targeting America’s youth with rainbow fentanyl in the form of pills that look like candy and powder that looks like sidewalk chalk. The fentanyl crisis is wreaking havoc in communities throughout the nation and poisoning and killing Americans at record rates. In the PSA – in order of appearance – Senators Marshall (KS), Marsha Blackburn (TN), Shelley Moore Capito (WV), Bill Cassidy, M.D. (LA), Deb Fischer (NE), Steve Daines (MT), Cindy Hyde-Smith (MS), Rick Scott (FL), Dan Sullivan (AK), John Barrasso, M.D. (WY), Joni Ernst (IA), James Risch (ID), and John Cornyn (TX) said in part:
“…The powerful drug cartels are coming after your kids, your neighbors, your students, your family members, and your friends. No one is sparred as fake pills laced with fentanyl are beginning to look like candy in an effort to lure young Americans. Rainbow fentanyl comes in a variety of bright colors, shapes, and sizes including pills, powder, and blocks that resemble sidewalk chalk… All it takes is one pill or enough powder to fit on the tip of a pencil to poison and kill someone. Over the past two years 10 tons of fentanyl has been seized at our Southern border. Of course, we know much more made it across the border and into communities like yours undetected. We know fentanyl is in our neighborhoods because it is killing Americans at record rates – over 150 people per day. This is the deadliest drug our nation has ever seen… This epidemic is exploding, which is why this Halloween, let’s join forces and look out for one another… By working together and being on high alert this Halloween, we can help put an end to the drug traffickers that are driving addiction and poisoning our neighbors and children.”
You may click HERE or on the image below to watch the PSA.
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Full Text of PSA:
Hi, I’m Senator Dr. Roger Marshall.
I come to you today not only as a U.S. Senator but as a fellow American concerned about the health of our nation’s youth this Halloween.
The powerful drug cartels are coming after your kids, your neighbors, your students, your family members, and your friends.
No one is sparred as fake pills laced with fentanyl are beginning to look like candy in an effort to lure young Americans.
Rainbow fentanyl comes in a variety of bright colors, shapes, and sizes including pills, powder, and blocks that resemble sidewalk chalk.
According to the DEA, these pills are a “deliberate effort by drug traffickers to drive addiction amongst kids and young adults.”
Even just handling these pills or powders masquerading as candy can kill a person.
All it takes is one pill or enough powder to fit on the tip of a pencil to poison and kill someone.
Over the past two years 10 tons of fentanyl has been seized at our Southern border.
Of course, we know much more made it across the border and into communities like yours undetected.
We know fentanyl is in our neighborhoods because it is killing Americans at record rates – over 150 people per day. This is the deadliest drug our nation has ever seen.
What’s worse is most people don’t know fake prescription drugs like Percocet, oxycodone, Xanax, and Adderal are being laced with fentanyl.
Most people don’t know that drug traffickers are selling fake pills that look nearly identical to legitimate prescription medicine.
And most people don’t know that just one pill can kill.
This epidemic is exploding, which is why this Halloween, let’s join forces and look out for one another.
Only let kids get candy from trusted neighbors, family, and friends.
Set a curfew for trick or treaters.
Always double and triple check their candy for drugs or suspiciously packaged, or unpackaged items.
And, remind kids to trick or treat in groups and to check in with parents periodically.
By working together and being on high alert this Halloween, we can help put an end to the drug traffickers that are driving addiction and poisoning our neighbors and children.
