As an experienced Omaha drug defense attorney Daniel Stockmann has dealt with a number of opioid-involving cases. One of the most common substances is the synthetic opioid known as Fentanyl. It’s often smuggled to the United States from China, where it was manufactured legally. Effective March 1, China banned four variations of Fentanyl from being produced; a “Game-changer,” according to the US Drug Enforcement Administration.
The United States and China are Working Together to Ban Opioids
The two countries were in talks, which included a visit by Chuck Rosenberg, an acting DEA Administrator, for six months. As a result, the opioids carfentanil, furanyl fentanyl, acrylfentanyl, and varelylfentanyl are now banned. The DEA is hopeful this ban will greatly reduce illegal imports of the drugs, even though this is not the first opioid ban in China. In October 2015, China banned more than 100 synthetic chemicals, including some fentanyl products. That, however, did not end the problem. “As soon as one substance gets banned, another one pops up as a replacement,” says DEA Spokesman Russ Baer. He says that it’s proof that the increase of synthetic opioids is a global problem, not only impacting the United States.
Fentanyl is Stronger Than Heroin
Fentanyl is considered to be a pain medication with a rapid onset and short duration of action. It’s a synthetic drug; a drug that’s created by man-made chemicals, not with natural ingredients. This often-deadly drug is 25 to 50 times stronger than heroin, and more than 100 times stronger than morphine. On the streets, it is used as a recreational drug, and has caused thousands of deaths every year from 2000 to 2015. Sadly, the death count has been rising in recent years. According to the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s data released in December, death rates from opioids, including Fentanyl, has increased for 72.2% in the United States from 2014 to 2015.
Opioid Withdrawal is Challenging
Fentanyl wasn’t in the limelight until recently, when it was found out that the famous singer-songwriter Prince overdosed on it. Opioid overdose is linked to both short-term and long-term health ramifications, in addition to numerous fatalities. Opioid addiction is a serious issue and withdrawal and detox is a long-term process. Luckily, with a great willpower, proper counseling, and good medication it’s possible. New medications, like buprenorphine, naltrexone, or traditional methadone, are helping people every day to continue the path of full recovery.
Speak with an Omaha Drug Defense Attorney
If you or your loved one is facing a legal battle, you need someone who has the skills, successful track record, and years of experience with similar cases. Daniel Stockmann not only possesses these traits, but is dedicated to creating custom strategies that enable his clients to put the courtroom behind them and move on with their lives. If you need an experienced Omaha drug defense attorney to represent you, call (402) 884-1031 to schedule your case evaluation right away.
