AG Proposes New Tool In Fighting Opioid Abuse Epidemic

BOSTON (AP) — Massachusetts Attorney General Maura Healey has proposed legislation that would make trafficking in a powerful narcotic often added to heroin a crime in an effort to fight the state's opioid abuse epidemic.

Healey's proposal announced Monday would make trafficking in fentanyl a crime punishable by up to 20 years in state prison.

Law enforcement officials have said fentanyl, an opioid more powerful than heroin, is often added to heroin and contributes to the number of overdose deaths in the state.

State public health officials have said that there were more than 1,200 opioid overdose deaths in Massachusetts last year.

The proposal has the backing of state Rep. John Fernandes, the House chairman of the Legislature's Joint Committee on the Judiciary and many other legislators from both parties.