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In an unprecedented partnership, Alabama and Virginia launched Operation Free, a joint law enforcement initiative aimed at curbing the fentanyl epidemic plaguing communities across the United States. The operation, which began on September 15 and concluded on October 31, saw Alabama’s Governor Kay Ivey and Virginia’s Governor Glenn Youngkin align their states’ resources in an effort to tackle the spread of fentanyl and other dangerous drugs.
During the operation, the Alabama Law Enforcement Agency’s (ALEA) State Bureau of Investigation (SBI) and the Alabama Drug Enforcement Task Force (ADETF) seized more than 48,800 grams of illicit drugs, including approximately 1,700 grams of fentanyl. Governor Ivey underscored the significance of the joint operation, saying, “The fentanyl epidemic in America is one of our gravest threats, and we are doing all we can in Alabama to battle it and protect our citizens. I am proud to join Virginia Governor Glenn Youngkin in Operation Free to help tackle this nationwide danger. Fentanyl cannot rob our people of their futures, so we will continue fighting to make sure this deadly drug is not a killer in Alabama. A safe Alabama is a secure future for Alabama, and a secured future is our goal.”
The Alabama Legislature has been pivotal in advancing anti-fentanyl measures, with State Rep. Rex Reynolds lauding the operation’s alignment with ongoing state efforts. “Operation Free perfectly aligns with the state of Alabama’s ongoing efforts to fight the opioid and fentanyl epidemic,” Reynolds said. “In the last three legislative sessions, Alabama has made significant progress in equipping law enforcement to fight fentanyl traffickers by imposing the stiffest penalties in the nation. Additionally, we have mandated fentanyl education curricula in our public schools through the Price Hornsby Act and invested heavily in substance abuse treatment. Every bit counts when it comes to saving lives, and I look forward to our continued efforts to protect the people of Alabama.”
Congressman Dale Strong, who joined the operation, highlighted the complex, border-related factors contributing to the crisis. “As a lifelong first responder, I have personally worked over 300 drug overdose calls. The devastation of this epidemic continues to grow as we see other dangerous drugs laced with fentanyl,” he said. “This deadly drug is pouring across our Southern Border and wreaking havoc in our communities. As a member of the Committee on Homeland Security, I believe securing the border is one piece of the puzzle to end this epidemic. On the local level, we must equip law enforcement officers, fund recovery efforts and educate our people. I’m proud to join Operation Free to continue seeking ways to stop the spread of fentanyl.”
Operation Free underscores the gravity of the fentanyl crisis, which has escalated to such levels that, in 2023 alone, the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) seized over 80 million fentanyl-laced pills and 12,000 pounds of fentanyl powder, equating to more than 390 million potentially lethal doses. ALEA Secretary Hal Taylor emphasized the necessity of cross-state partnerships in combatting this deadly trend, stating, “Public safety is a shared responsibility that transcends state lines. We were proud to join our state counterparts during Operation Free and will continue to take proactive measures to protect our state from the destruction and the increasing concern caused by fentanyl.”
ALEA has steadily increased its seizures of fentanyl, reaching 18,500 grams in Fiscal Year 2023, more than double the amount seized the previous year. Specialized task forces like the ADETF and the recently established Metro Area Crime Suppression Unit (MACS) have also ramped up their efforts, with MACS recently confiscating enough fentanyl in a single operation to endanger over 5,000 individuals.
Beyond enforcement, Alabama’s efforts include combating the fentanyl crisis within the state prison system. Contraband drugs have long fueled violence and instability within correctional facilities, and the Alabama Department of Corrections (ADOC) has intensified its contraband control efforts in an attempt to disrupt criminal supply chains. “The ADOC is committed to enforcing its zero-tolerance policy on contraband, even when it comes to policing our own,” ADOC Commissioner Hamm stated.
As the fentanyl epidemic continues to claim lives across the U.S., Alabama and Virginia’s determination to disrupt this devastating drug crisis marks a pivotal step in safeguarding their communities from further harm.
