Iowa Parents, Law Enforcement Call for Actions Against Flood of Fentanyl at Drug Caucus Hearing

DES MOINES, IOWA – Parents of Iowans lost to fentanyl poisoning joined state and federal officials to shine a light on the deadly epidemic that has is claiming lives in Iowa and across the country at an alarming rate. The discussion was part of a U.S. Senate Caucus on International Narcotics Control field hearing in Des Moines convened by caucus co-chairman Chuck Grassley (R-Iowa). Video of the hearing is available HERE.

 

“I commend the bravery of these parents who recently lost children to fentanyl for shining a light on a deadly fentanyl epidemic that clearly knows no bounds. Their commitment to raising awareness, combined with law enforcement is essential in preventing future tragedies. We must provide the resources and tools necessary to combat cartels that spread of fentanyl across the southern border and into our communities right here in Iowa,” Grassley said.

“The spread of fentanyl has been steady and deadly in Iowa and across the United States. The CDC estimates that more than 108,000 people in the U.S. died of drug overdoses between February 2021 and February 2022. Of those, more than 70 percent involved fentanyl and other synthetic opioids. This is a national emergency. America’s young adults are being deceived and poisoned every 5 minutes,” said Brooke Anderson of Shelby, whose 23-year-old son, Devin, died of fentanyl poisoning.

“Action needs to happen to stop drug dealers from selling pills. Action needs to happen to have stronger laws to prosecute those selling pills. Action needs to happen to stop these illegal pills from coming across our borders. Parents need to talk with their children and schools need to talk to students to create awareness about the dangers of buying pills,” said Laurie Arwine of Cedar Rapids, whose 22-year-old son, Bailey, died of fentanyl poisoning.

 

“All these families across the nation are experiencing their own pain. All we can do is turn our pain into purpose, which is why we created the www.becometheirvoice.org website. It's a place where we can all tell their stories and show their beautiful faces. We give presentations in schools and youth groups to educate the public in hopes of preventing this from happening to others. To make sure their deaths weren’t for nothing. We all do it to help save lives,” said Deric Kidd of Des Moines, whose 17-year-old son, Sebastian, died of fentanyl poisoning.

 

“The influx of fentanyl coming into Iowa is touching every corner of our state,” said Iowa Department of Public Safety Commissioner Stephan Baynes. “The volume of fentanyl being seized by law enforcement throughout Iowa is shocking even to the most veteran narcotics agents and drug chemists. To be frank, I’m surprised our overdose deaths are not higher.

“Mexican [transnational criminal organizations] serve as the principal source of the illicit fentanyl and methamphetamines fueling the drug overdose epidemic in the United States,” said Steven Cagen, Assistant Director, of Homeland Security Investigations. “While our collective efforts are executed with diligence and a commitment to public safety, work remains at all levels – internationally, on the border, in Iowa, and throughout the United States. HSI is committed to continuing the fight against the overdose epidemic on all fronts.”

 

Grassley’s opening remarks at the hearing follow:

 

 

Sebastian Kidd was 17 when he died from fentanyl poisoning. He hadn’t even graduated high school. But that didn’t stop a dealer on Snapchat from selling him a fake pill laced with fentanyl. We should protect kids from predators. So, how do adults peddling deadly drugs like fentanyl prey upon Iowa teenagers?

 

Today’s hearing is going to explore how it happens and how we can prevent it from happening again.

 

Sebastian Kidd’s story is, sadly, not the only story like this. Devin Anderson was 23 and Bailey Arwine was 22 when they died from fentanyl poisoning. Like Sebastian, they didn’t know they were taking fentanyl. The Kidd, Anderson, and Arwine families are here today to tell us about their boys.

 

They’re here to remind us that the 470 Iowans who died last year because of drugs aren’t a statistic. They have names, families, and stolen futures.

 

So, thank you to these families for being here and for fighting for a public response that goes beyond just an offer of condolences.

 

Pictured are 55 Americans lost to fentanyl whose families are working with the Kidds’ organization, BecomeTheirVoice.org. They come from all over the country. These victims are just a small representation of the over 70,000 lives lost to opioids last year. Most were lost to fentanyl and its related substances. In a few weeks to come important fentanyl legislation may come to a vote. That’s why we need to have this hearing now.

 

Fentanyl is cheap, addictive, and its high wears off fast. It doesn’t grow in a field. Fentanyl is typically made in Mexican cartel-owned labs with chemicals bought from China.

 

With a small tweak it can fall outside of the legal definition of “fentanyl” in the Controlled Substances Act. And just 3 milligrams of it—the equivalent of 10 to 15 grains of table salt—will kill a grown man.

 

Fentanyl often arrives in the U.S. through the southwest border. That’s where the Department of Homeland Security took these photos. Border Patrol is finding fentanyl hidden in trunks. Stashed in natural car voids. Strapped on people’s bodies. And stuffed in their clothes. 

 

This year alone, Border Patrol seized about 12,860 pounds of fentanyl. But we know that is only a tiny fraction of the fentanyl that makes it into the U.S. In 2021 the Drug Enforcement Administration seized enough fentanyl to kill every American. That’s fentanyl that made it through our borders despite Border Patrol’s best efforts.

 

From the border, America’s highways provide an easy transportation network for the cartels. It’s about a 17-hour drive from the southwest border to Des Moines, Iowa. It doesn’t even take a full day.

 

It’s just a straight shot up Interstate 35. Nowadays, every state is a border state.

 

Anyone following the news has seen the warnings to stay away from fentanyl. To be careful what objects you pick up and what your kids may mistake as candy.

 

While Americans rightfully heed those warnings, the men and women represented by our law enforcement panel rush towards the threat. Thank you for your service.

 

The following video shows what is happening on the front lines of the fight against fentanyl.

 

These heartbreaking stories of lost children deserve our attention. We need to do what we can to prevent other families from experiencing this same loss. This hearing is a step towards meeting that obligation.