How much to fight fentanyl: Stein asks for special unit funded by state budget

As North Carolina battles the ongoing fentanyl crisis, Gov. Josh Stein calls for a dedicated unit to crack down on trafficking, despite an encouraging 30% drop in overdose deaths since 2023.

The fentanyl crisis continues to devastate families across North Carolina, even as overdose deaths decline. Gov. Josh Stein is calling for a special unit to investigate fentanyl trafficking across the state. “Currently, we’re losing nine North Carolinians every day to a fentanyl overdose,” said Stein.

We told you in our WRAL “Crisis Next Door” documentary that fentanyl has destroyed the lives of thousands of North Carolinians.

>> Opioid overdose shuts down lungs, brain. Here's how Narcan is reversing fentanyl's grip on North Carolina

Fentanyl is a synthetic opioid. When manufactured by pharmaceutical companies and approved by the FDA, it can be safely used to treat patients in severe pain. The synthetic fentanyl leading to many overdose deaths is made in unregulated labs, pushed by drug cartels, and put in various drugs as a cheap way to produce extremely strong substances.

According to the most recent statistics from the state, overdose deaths are down 30% in North Carolina from May of 2023 to 2024. However, federal and state law enforcement say fentanyl continues to be trafficked across the state.

North Carolina Attorney General Jeff Jackson is leading an effort to target the Chinese social media app WeChat. Jackson accused the company of facilitating cross-border money laundering that helps finance the fentanyl drug trade in the US. “You need to show us the exact steps you’re taking to stop that,” said Jackson.

>> What is WeChat and why is it being used by criminal organizations for fentanyl trafficking?

Stein wants a fentanyl control unit made up of agents at the State Bureau of Investigation and special prosecutors at the Department of Justice to investigate drug rings. Stein’s office said the proposed fentanyl control unit would cost a few million dollars each year.

The North Carolina House set aside $1.2 million in its budget to fund the unit. Stein had requested $2.5 million. The state Senate and House are still negotiating a final budget. A vote isn’t expected until later this year.