Rep. Chu Addresses Synthetic Drug Threat

Washington, DC – Today, the House Judiciary Subcommittee on Crime, Homeland Security, and Investigations held a hearing entitled “Synthetic Drugs, Real Danger.” The purpose of this hearing is to examine the growing problem of the manufacture and use of synthetic drugs and law enforcement responses. Rep. Judy Chu (CA-27), who participated as one of the lead Democrats of the subcommittee, released the following statement:

“Cheap, dangerous, and often marketed to youth, designer synthetic drugs are becoming increasingly popular among teens and young adults – to lethal effect. The stories I heard today were incredibly moving and helped to open all of our eyes to the pernicious impact these new drugs are having on our communities. Produced in a laboratory to mimic or enhance natural drugs, synthetic drugs do not receive F‎ood and Drug Administration (FDA) approval or any oversight. Instead, they are sold readily in stores and online. And as we learned from Mr. Devin Eckhardt, whose son slipped into a coma and died from synthetic drugs, even one use can be life-ending. It’s clear that Congress must take increased steps to strengthen our tools for stopping these drugs. That includes a new proactive approach that will streamline the process of identifying and scheduling these synthetic drugs, combat the manufacture and importation of synthetic drugs, and work with local business and law enforcement to keep them off the streets and out of our children’s hands.”

Witnesses at the hearing included Mr. Louis Milione, Deputy Assistant Administrator for the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA), Officer William Smith Jr., a member of the Washington, D.C. Metropolitan Police Department, Dr. David Nichols, Adjunct Professor of Chemical Biology and Medicinal Chemistry, and Mr. Devin Eckhardt, the father of Connor Eckhardt who died after his first experience with the synthetic drug known as “spice”. Further details on this hearing are accessible through the House Judiciary Committee, found here.