Fentanyl crisis: Drug dealers are part of the problem, right?

Sherman R. Frederick/Properly Subversive

If we’re in crisis mode over fentanyl deaths in Marin County and throughout the Bay Area – and health experts say we most certainly are – shouldn’t we be addressing the problem with more of an “all hands on deck” mentality?

I ask that after reading the story on OD Free Marin forum to take place April 10 in which we will focus on “collaborative strategies, resource sharing, and community action.”

Nothing wrong with that other than I see no evidence that law enforcement and the courts will be part of the effort? You can read the story here.

Fentanyl is the leading cause of death in Marin for people 55 years old and younger. That’s a brutal statistic. And, it’s getting worse month-in and month-out. While more widely distributing NARCAN nasal spray to first responders and fentanyl users is a good thing, that can’t be the answer.

We ought to start taking a look at fentanyl dealers and get them off the streets for longer periods of time. That would mean no bail and longer sentences even on the first offense. 

Look, I know that law enforcement isn’t the only answer. But it’s gotta be part of it.

Right?

(You can read more of Mr. Frederick’s Properly Subversive work here. )