President Trump’s opioid plan includes death penalty for traffickers

Associated Press

7 years ago

Bags of heroin are displayed before a press conference regarding a major drug bust, at the office of the New York Attorney General, September 23, 2016 in New York City. New York State Attorney General Eric Scheiderman's office announced Friday that authorities in New York state have made a record drug bust, seizing 33 kilograms of heroin and 2 kilograms of fentanyl. According to the attorney general's office, it is the largest seizure in the 46 year history of New York's Organized Crime Task Force. Twenty-five peopole living in New York, Massachusetts, Pennsylvania, Arizona and New Jersey have been indicted in connection with the case. (Drew Angerer/Getty Images)

WASHINGTON — President Donald Trump’s plan to combat opioid drug addiction nationwide calls for stiffer penalties for drug traffickers, including the death penalty where appropriate under current law. That from a top administration official.

It’s a fate for drug dealers that Mr. Trump, who aims to be seen as tough on crime, has been highlighting publicly in recent weeks.

President Trump also wants Congress to pass legislation reducing the amount of drugs needed to trigger mandatory minimum sentences for traffickers who knowingly distribute certain illicit opioids.

Domestic Policy Director Andrew Bremberg briefed reporters Sunday on the plan the President is scheduled to unveil Monday in New Hampshire, a state hard-hit by the crisis.

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