Luján, Justice Introduce Bipartisan Bill to Crack Down on Fentanyl Traffickers

Washington, D.C. – Today, U.S. Senators Ben Ray Luján (D-N.M.) and Jim Justice (R-W.Va.) introduced the Strengthening Sanctions on Fentanyl Traffickers Act of 2025, bipartisan legislation that strengthens and expands the federal government’s ability to sanction individuals and entities involved in fentanyl trafficking.

China remains the primary global source of the precursor chemicals used to manufacture illicit fentanyl. However, most of the fentanyl entering the United States is trafficked across the U.S.–Mexico border by transnational criminal cartels. The Strengthening Sanctions on Fentanyl Traffickers Act of 2025 would direct the President to prioritize sanctions against China-based persons and entities—including pharmaceutical companies—connected to fentanyl trafficking. The bill also mandates continued sanctions against transnational criminal cartels engaged in fentanyl trafficking.

“Far too many families in New Mexico have felt the devastating impact of the fentanyl crisis. More must be done to stop the flow of fentanyl before it reaches our communities,” said Senator Luján. “I’m proud to partner with Senator Justice on this vital bipartisan legislation that empowers the government to go after those responsible for trafficking fentanyl. I look forward to working with my colleagues to pass this legislation to combat the fentanyl crisis, keep deadly drugs off our streets, and help protect communities across New Mexico.”

“Fentanyl and similar synthetic drugs continue to devastate communities across West Virginia and the country. Much has been done to stop the flow of fentanyl, but we must do more. This bill will build on that progress by strengthening our sanctions, holding foreign entities accountable, curbing the flow of this substance into our state, and ultimately saving lives across our nation,” said Senator Justice.

Senator Luján has long fought to stop the flow of fentanyl into our communities. Senator Luján introduced legislation to crack down on the trafficking of illicit synthetic drugs, like fentanyl, using the U.S. transportation network. Additionally, Senator Luján introduced legislation to reduce the flow of fentanyl by providing much-needed resources to secure the Southwest border.

Full bill text is available here.

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