Fentanyl's Falling Price in Seattle: Just 40 Cents a Pill
Fentanyl, a synthetic opioid up to 50 times more potent than heroin, has become increasingly available on the streets of Seattle. Recent reports indicate that the drug can be purchased for as little as 40 cents a pill, a significant drop from its usual street value of $3 to $5. “We can confirm the price of fentanyl has dropped to as little as 40 cents a pill,” SPD Public Information Officer Judinna Gulpan said in an interview to MyNorthwest.
The Numbers Speak
In 2022, fentanyl accounted for 90% of fatal opioid overdoses in Washington State and 65% of all overdose deaths. A year ago, authorities in King County seized 755,000 fentanyl pills, 30 pounds of fentanyl powder, and about $17.5 million worth of drugs overall. The increasing supply and falling prices are a lethal combination that demands immediate attention.
Why the Price Drop?
Supply Chain Dynamics
Recent investigations point toward large-scale production of fentanyl by criminal networks in Mexico, using precursor chemicals primarily sourced from China. The bulk purchasing of these substances has allowed "dealers" to reduce the per-pill cost substantially.
Legislative Impact
The legal landscape in Washington State has also influenced the supply and pricing of fentanyl. The Washington Supreme Court's decision to invalidate the state’s felony drug possession law has led to a contentious debate. While the court ruling aimed at a more humane approach to drug possession, critics argue that it has unintentionally eased the risks associated with carrying and dealing drugs like fentanyl. This easing of legal consequences could contribute to the increase in the drug's supply and the subsequent price drop. The shift in legal penalties has forced law enforcement to reevaluate their strategies, potentially impacting their ability to effectively combat the fentanyl crisis.
The Role of Technology
The DEA warns that dealers have become highly proficient in using social media platforms to distribute drugs, further widening their reach and complicating law enforcement's efforts to control the spread. Right now, at least 30% of Americans use online sources (from social media to the DarkNet) to purchase illicit drugs.
No Coherent National Strategy to Combat Fentanyl
U.S. Senator Maria Cantwell suggests a multi-pronged approach to tackle the crisis. This involves bolstering treatment centers, supporting first responders with overdose-reversing drugs like naloxone, and cutting off the supply chain. However, the current administration has not put forth a coherent strategy to combat this issue. To make matters worse, funding for task forces has been anemic at best.
Capping Naloxone Costs
With fentanyl being so readily available and affordable, lawmakers are considering proposals to cap the cost of naloxone, the overdose-reversing drug, at $10. However, this is a reactive measure and doesn't address the root causes of the problem.
The declining price of fentanyl in Seattle poses a grave public health threat and challenges traditional law enforcement methods. A multi-pronged, collaborative approach that spans across local, state, and federal levels is essential to tackling this evolving crisis effectively. Law enforcement agencies will need to adapt and deploy more sophisticated investigative techniques to counter the growing menace of this deadly drug.