Erin Hut, Communications Director, ehut@spokanecity.org & Officer Daniel Strassenberg, Public Information Officer, dstrassenberg@spokanepolice.org
Wednesday, February 26, 2025 at 11:33 a.m.
Spokane Police Chief Kevin Hall testified Wednesday before the U.S. Senate Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation, sharing his support of a proposed bill aimed at strengthening efforts to combat illicit drug trafficking across the nation’s transportation networks. Chief Hall’s testimony is available here. The entire hearing can be viewed on the U.S. Senate Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation webpage.
The Stop Smuggling Illicit Synthetic Drugs on US Transportation Networks Act, sponsored by Washington Senator Maria Cantwell, would boost detection of illegal drug smuggling by air, sea, rail and road. The legislation seeks to increase federal resources for drug interdiction efforts, improve coordination between law enforcement partners, and implement stricter penalties for trafficking drugs through major transportation hubs.
In his testimony, Chief Hall provided firsthand insights on the devastating impacts of fentanyl in Spokane and highlighting the need for improved and enhanced partnership between local, state, tribal and federal agencies.
“The fentanyl crisis is one of national importance and national urgency,” says Chief Hall. “I urge Congress to pass the Stop Smuggling Illicit Synthetic Drugs on US Transportation Networks Act. This legislation would leverage precious federal resources to develop and provide non-intrusive technologies and canines to conduct inspections of cargo transported via civil aircraft, passenger and freight rail, commercial motor vehicles, and maritime vessels.”
Chief Hall pressed Congress to pass Senator Cantwell’s legislation, noting that it would improve the detection and interception of fentanyl at the border and along routes of interstate commerce, ultimately choking supply and mitigating downstream consumption.
