Pasadena Congresswoman Decries Synthetic Drugs, Calls for New Congressional Approach

Tuesday, the House Judiciary Subcommittee on Crime, Homeland Security, and Investigations held a hearing entitled “Synthetic Drugs, Real Danger” to examine the growing problem of the manufacture and use of synthetic drugs and law enforcement responses.

Pasadena’s Congresswoman, Rep. Judy Chu (CA-27), participated as one of the lead Democrats of the subcommittee.

“Cheap, dangerous, and often marketed to youth, designer synthetic drugs are becoming increasingly popular among teens and young adults – to lethal effect,” Chu said after the hearing. “The stories I heard today were incredibly moving and helped to open all of our eyes to the pernicious impact these new drugs are having on our communities. Produced in a laboratory to mimic or enhance natural drugs, synthetic drugs do not receive Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approval or any oversight. Instead, they are sold readily in stores and online.”

Chu cited the testimony of Devin Eckhardt, whose son slipped into a coma and died from synthetic drugs.

“Even one use can be life-ending. It’s clear that Congress must take increased steps to strengthen our tools for stopping these drugs,” Chu said.

She called for a new proactive approach that will streamline the process of identifying and scheduling these synthetic drugs, combat the manufacture and importation of synthetic drugs, and work with local business and law enforcement to keep them off the streets and out of our children’s hands.”

Witnesses at the hearing included Louis Milione, Deputy Assistant Administrator for the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA), Officer William Smith Jr., a member of the Washington, D.C. Metropolitan Police Department, Dr. David Nichols, Adjunct Professor of Chemical Biology and Medicinal Chemistry, and Devin Eckhardt, the father of Connor Eckhardt who died after his first experience with the synthetic drug known as “spice”.

Further details on this hearing are accessible through the House Judiciary Committee, found here.