State Officials Applaud Trump Administration For Acting on Fentanyl

Concord, NH - Governor Chris Sununu and state officials are applauding President Donald Trump for working with Chinese President Xi Jinping to list all "fentanyl-like substances as controlled substances" in China, which would impose strict penalties on fentanyl manufacturers trying to import the deadly drug to the United States, which eventually makes its way into New Hampshire.

"As Governor of one of the hardest hit states by the opioid epidemic, I applaud the President for working with Chinese officials in reducing the amount of fentanyl and fentanyl-like substances from entering the United States," said Governor Chris Sununu." For the first time in years, the overdose rate in New Hampshire is projected to go down, and we are confident this positive development will help contribute to a future decrease in the number of drug overdose deaths in New Hampshire."

"Fentanyl has been at the center of the opioid crises in New Hampshire for some time, damaging families, and causing loss of life," said Colonel Christopher Wagner. "We continue to work closely with local, state and federal partners to stop the trafficking and distribution of narcotics in New Hampshire and welcome any developments that help in that effort."

"China's labeling The Drug Fentanyl a controlled substance is a huge win for New Hampshire," said Patrick Tufts, Chairman of the Governor's Commission on Alchohol and Drug Abuse Prevention, Intervention, and Treatment." Fentanyl is 100 times stronger than morphine and has claimed the lives of hundreds of New Hampshire's citizens. Strong penalties in China will reduce the flow of this powerful drug into our state."

"We know that China is the primary source of fentanyl in the United States, which ultimately makes its way to New Hampshire," said Dave Mara, Governor's Advisor on Addiction and Behavioral Health. "This is a great sign of cooperation from President Trump and Chinese officials, and will help us make further progress in the fight against the opioid epidemic."