Representatives August Pfluger, Michael Baumgartner, and Eugene Vindman introduced the House version of the Detection Equipment and Technology Evaluation to Counter the Threat of Nitazenes Act (DETECT Nitazenes Act) on Mar. 19. The legislation aims to address the growing concern over nitazenes, a new class of synthetic opioids described as stronger and deadlier than fentanyl.
The DETECT Nitazenes Act seeks to improve detection technologies for illicit substances by directing the Department of Homeland Security’s Science and Technology Directorate to work with the Drug Enforcement Administration. The goal is to help law enforcement identify nitazenes at very low concentrations and provide them with resources, research, capacity, and technology needed to stop these drugs from spreading.
“Nitazenes are an emerging class of illicit drugs that pose a serious threat to Americans’ health and safety, yet today, these deadly drugs have not received the level of attention necessary to combat them. The DETECT Nitazenes Act will close critical gaps in detection capabilities, support law enforcement efforts, and improve public safety outcomes by enabling faster and more accurate identification of these deadly substances. As the risk from synthetic drugs continues to evolve, this legislation ensures that we remain prepared to respond to the next generation of deadly narcotics and protect our communities,” said Rep. August Pfluger.
Rep. Michael Baumgartner said: “Nitazenes are poised to become the next deadly wave of the opioid crisis – cheaper than fentanyl, easy to traffic, and even more lethal. As cartels quietly mix these drugs into counterfeit pills and powders, too many communities are being put at risk without even knowing it. The DETECT Nitazenes Act gives law enforcement the tools they need to actually find and stop this threat. I am proud to lead this bipartisan effort to keep our communities safe and stay one step ahead of the cartels.” Rep. Eugene Vindman added: “For months, I’ve been working to stop the spread of dangerous nitazenes — highly potent synthetic drugs deemed ‘the new fentanyl’ that are devastating communities across Virginia and the country… We cannot wait for this crisis to escalate further. I will continue working to confront the growing threat of nitazenes with the urgency it demands.”
Senator Eric Schmitt introduced a similar bill in the Senate: “Nitazenes are powerful synthetic opioids that are stronger than fentanyl, cheaper to produce, and devastatingly lethal… I urge both the House and the Senate to take up this critical bill.” Senators Dave McCormick, Pete Ricketts, Elissa Slotkin, and Ruben Gallego co-sponsored it in the Senate.
August Pfluger has served in Congress representing Texas’s 11th District since 2021 after replacing Mike Conaway according to Ballotpedia. In 2020 he won his seat by defeating Jon Mark Hogg with nearly 80% of votes as reported by The Texas Tribune. Pfluger was born in Houston in 1978 and currently lives in San Angelo according to his official biography.