We will only realize a strong measure of success in combating SUDs, including the overdose rate in this country, if we reduce the supply and availability of illicit drugs
23 December, 2019 – For Immediate Release
The Georgia Council on Substance Abuse supports the Significant Transnational Criminal Organization Designation Act and congratulates U.S. Senator David Perdue (R-GA) for taking action to impose severe consequences on drug cartels.
“There are two important considerations that we must have in mind as we try to solve the problem of substance use disorders (SUDs) and drug misuse in this country. One is demand reduction, which includes activities such as primary prevention, addiction treatment and recovery supports. The other consideration is
supply reduction, and the Significant Transnational Criminal Organization Designation Act falls into that category,” said Neil Campbell, Executive Director of the Georgia Council on Substance Abuse.
The bill allows the federal government to impose immigration, financial, and criminal penalties on the most significant Transnational Criminal Organizations (TCOs), including:
- Barring organization members and their immediate families from admission
to the United States; - Freezing the organization’s assets; and
- Levying civil and criminal penalties against individuals who assist the organization.
“We will only realize a strong measure of success in combating SUDs, including the overdose rate in this country, if we reduce the supply and availability of illicit drugs. We should have a strong and rapid response to organizations seeking to profit from making drugs – legal or illegal – more accessible.” said Campbell.
For Additional Information:
Jeff Breedlove
Chief of Policy and Communication
Georgia Council on Substance Abuse
404-615-5735
