Author

Amanda Hernandez

Amanda Hernandez

Amanda Hernández covers criminal justice for Stateline. She has reported for both national and local outlets, including ABC News, USA Today and NBC4 Washington.

The fentanyl that laces illicit drugs in the U.S. is often made in China.

States stiffen penalties for fentanyl, despite public health concerns

By: - August 2, 2023

As they struggle to reduce drug overdose deaths, policymakers across the United States are embroiled in a heated debate over creating and increasing criminal penalties related to fentanyl, a powerful synthetic opioid that’s up to 100 times more potent than morphine. Legislators pushing the new wave of criminal penalties say the laws will deter drug […]