Alabama and Virginia join forces in Operation Free to combat the fentanyl epidemic

In an unprecedented partnership, Alabama and Virginia launched Operation Free, a joint law enforcement initiative aimed at curbing the fentanyl epidemic ravaging communities across the United States. The operation, which began on September 15 and ended on October 31, saw Alabama Governor Kay Ivey and Virginia Governor Glenn Youngkin align their states’ resources in an effort to stem the spread of fentanyl and other dangerous tackle drugs.

During the operation, the Alabama Law Enforcement Agency (ALEA) State Bureau of Investigation (SBI) and the Alabama Drug Enforcement Task Force (ADETF) seized more than 48,800 grams of illegal drugs, including approximately 1,700 grams of fentanyl. Governor Ivey underscored the importance of the joint operation, saying, “America’s fentanyl epidemic is one of our greatest threats, and we are doing everything we can in Alabama to combat it and protect our citizens. I am proud to join Virginia Governor Glenn Youngkin in Operation Free to help address this nationwide threat. Fentanyl cannot rob our people of their future, so we will continue to fight to ensure this deadly drug is not a killer in Alabama. A secure Alabama is a secure future for Alabama, and a secure future is our goal.”

The Alabama Legislature has played a crucial role in advancing anti-fentanyl measures, with State Rep. Rex Reynolds praising the operation’s alignment with ongoing state efforts. “Operation Free aligns perfectly with Alabama’s ongoing efforts to combat the opioid and fentanyl epidemic,” Reynolds said. “Over the last three terms, Alabama has made significant progress in equipping law enforcement to combat fentanyl traffickers by imposing the toughest penalties in the country. In addition, we have mandated fentanyl education curricula in our public schools through the Price Hornsby Act and have invested heavily in substance abuse treatment. Every little 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 handled 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 flowing across our southern border and wreaking havoc in our communities. As a member of the Homeland Security Committee, I believe securing the border is one piece of the puzzle to ending this epidemic. At the local level, we must equip law enforcement, fund recovery efforts, and train our people. I am proud to be part of Operation Free and to continue finding ways to stop the spread of fentanyl.”

Operation Free underscores the severity of the fentanyl crisis, which has escalated to the point where the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) has seized more than 80 million fentanyl-infused pills and 12,000 pounds of fentanyl powder in 2023 alone, amounting to more than 390 pounds of fentanyl powder . million potentially lethal doses. ALEA Secretary Hal Taylor emphasized the need for state partnerships in combating this deadly trend, stating, “Public safety is a shared responsibility that transcends state lines. We were proud to join our state colleagues on Operation Free and will continue to take proactive measures to protect our state from the destruction and growing concern caused by fentanyl.”

ALEA has steadily increased fentanyl seizures to 18,500 grams in fiscal year 2023, more than double the amount seized last year. Specialized task forces such as the ADETF and the newly established Metro Area Crime Suppression Unit (MACS) have also increased their efforts, with MACS recently seizing enough fentanyl to endanger more than 5,000 individuals in one operation.

In addition to enforcement, Alabama’s efforts also include combating the fentanyl crisis within the state prison system. Smuggled drugs have long fueled violence and instability within prisons, and the Alabama Department of Corrections (ADOC) has intensified its smuggling control efforts in an effort to disrupt criminal supply chains. “The ADOC is committed to enforcing its zero-tolerance policy toward contraband, even while overseeing our own policies,” said ADOC Commissioner Hamm.

As the fentanyl epidemic continues to claim lives in the US, Alabama and Virginia’s determination to disrupt this devastating drug crisis is a critical step in protecting their communities from further harm.