Fort Worth, Texas – A growing fentanyl crisis has prompted the Fort Worth Police Department to take a bold stance against this deadly opioid. With the enactment of new legislation, the department is committed to aggressively pursuing arrests in cases of fentanyl-related fatalities, marking a significant shift in their approach to tackling this epidemic.
The year 2023 brought with it a grim trend in Fort Worth – an average of three lives lost each week to fentanyl poisoning, as reported by Sgt. Benjamin Scott Banes. This alarming statistic galvanized the Fort Worth Police Department into action, determined to combat the rising tide of this deadly drug.
In a significant move, Texas Governor Greg Abbott signed four key pieces of legislation in June, including House Bill 6, which specifically targets the fentanyl crisis. This law represents a turning point in the fight against fentanyl, creating a unique criminal offense for murder in cases where fentanyl supply leads to death and imposing stricter penalties for its manufacture and delivery.
Governor Abbott praised the efforts of affected families and advocates to raise awareness about the devastating impact of fentanyl. He emphasized that these new laws are crucial in safeguarding Texans and saving lives.
Residents of Tarrant County can expect a significant increase in prosecutions related to fentanyl as the police department intensifies its focus on these cases. Sgt. Banes highlighted the shift in the department’s approach, noting that they can now pursue more severe charges, including murder, which was not possible prior to the enactment of HB 6.
In December, a landmark case emerged when Jacob Lindsay was indicted for murder in connection with the fentanyl and methamphetamine toxicity death of Brandon Harrison. This case represents a significant moment for Fort Worth PD as it navigates the new legal landscape.
In response to the escalating crisis, the Tarrant County District Attorney’s Office established a Narcotics Unit in November, preparing to prosecute murder charges in fentanyl poisoning deaths. This mirrors similar efforts in Harris County, which launched its own Narcotics Unit in April amid rising fentanyl-related deaths.
The fentanyl crisis is not limited to Tarrant County. In Harris County, nearly half of the 1,096 drug overdose deaths in 2022 involved fentanyl. Statewide, the Texas Department of State Health Services (DSHS) reported a dramatic increase in fentanyl-related overdose deaths, from 891 in 2020 to 2,189 in 2022.
Governor Abbott launched the “One Pill Kills” campaign in July, introducing the Texas fentanyl data dashboard. Hosted by DSHS, this platform offers crucial information on fentanyl-related deaths from 2014 to 2023. It provides insights into the epidemic’s progression across demographics and geographical areas.
Governor Abbott stressed the urgent need for Texans to unite in raising awareness about the dangers of fentanyl. The data dashboard serves as a valuable tool in this fight, helping inform and engage the community in combatting this lethal opioid.
As Fort Worth and Texas at large grapple with the devastating impact of fentanyl, the resolve to fight back grows stronger. Empowered by new laws, law enforcement agencies are stepping up their efforts, signaling a new era in the battle against this deadly drug. It’s a fight that demands awareness, action, and a collective commitment to safeguarding lives, a fight that Texas is more determined than ever to win.
