USDA is now examining America’s opioid crisis and says that it will examine the two-decade battle in two distinct phases.
“Think about these two phases as part of the same epidemic, almost. They involve opioids but their geography is completely different and the populations affected are fairly different,” according to USDA’s David McGranahan.
USDA says that in the first decade, the misuse of prescription drugs was found primarily in rural America’s working class, especially in areas with high disability rates. But by 2011, there was a switch to misuse of heroin and fentanyl in rural areas.
An increase was also noticed in communities along interstate highways due to easier access.
The surge at the border is threatening progress made in the opioid battle.
Border Patrol found in Texas more than $8 million dollars of meth, hidden in a shipment of strawberries. The seizure highlights how border agents must balance lawful trade while keeping an eye out for security.
CBP says that drug seizures have surged this year as cartels take advantage of open borders.
Related:
Working to fight the stigma and educate the youth on the opioid epidemic
Growth in opioid supply as overdose rates rise