According to a recent report from ABC News Australia, the Opioid Crisis in the United States may have just taken a completely different turn, thanks to the efforts of a hunch. Recently, U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) have announced the biggest bust of fentanyl in our country yet, claiming they seized a staggering 114 kilograms of this deadly opioid. Now considered the most dangerous drug in the U.S., fentanyl has been propelling the Opioid Crisis for well over a decade, but the efforts of the CBP agents may have averted more deaths. During a scan, a team found bundles of the drug hidden under the rear paneling in a tractor trailer, which had been traveling from Mexico to the Arizona border. In the agent’s words, the bust saved hundreds of families. Let’s find out some more about this incident.
An Incredible Hunch
Based on the report from Nogales CBP Port Director Michael Humphries, agents seized $3.5 million USD worth of the dangerous opioid ($4.8 million AUD), which had mostly been manufactured as a white powder, and had also confiscated 179 kilograms of methamphetamine estimated at $1.18 million USD. In a recent tweet, President Donald Trump congratulated the border patrol for its incredible feat and praised them for their hard work. Meanwhile, Doug Coleman (special agent in charge for the DEA division in Phoenix) explained that good, old-fashioned critical thinking was behind this bust. After all, the entire operation stemmed from one incredible hunch.
A Good Cause for Celebration
Once you put the situation into context, you can see why this is a just cause for celebration. Over the years, fentanyl has been killing a rising number of people (including the iconic singer Prince). In many cases, addicts will purchase heroin that has been cut with fentanyl, in an effort by drug dealers to make a cheaper drug. Roughly 18,000 out of the 63,000 overdose-related deaths in 2016 were directly caused by this deadly opioid. If the CBP continues making awesome drug busts, we can definitely sleep more soundly across our beautiful country.
Seeking Treatment for Opioid Addiction
Opioids are extremely potent and dangerous drugs that have a high risk for abuse and addiction and can be particularly dangerous for both adults and teens alike. These substances can trigger severe dependency and a string of unpleasant health problems (including residual pain) as well. Although these drugs can easily help people cope with severe pain, opioids like fentanyl are still dangerous and have been responsible for the deaths of hundreds of thousands of people. If you have a history of substance abuse or addiction, we recommend you find an alternative to opioids. In the even that you are suffering from opioid use disorder, though, understand that you can always find the help you need.
Are you suffering from a severe case of opioid addiction? Do you have a friend or a family member who is coping with one of these issues, as well? On both accounts, get in touch with Asana Recovery today. Our professional team of counselors and healthcare experts will help you endure the painful process of withdrawal and detox and guide you along the rocky road of rehabilitation. Soon enough, you will experience a faster and much more efficient recovery.
If you want to find out more about our residential treatment or supervised detoxification/withdrawal programs or enroll in one of these programs today, we are ready and waiting to speak with you at your leisure and your disclosure. Call Asana now at (949) 438-4504 to learn how you can overcome your mental illness and take an extra step toward combating the Opioid Crisis.