A new law has been enacted to protect children in Southwest Louisiana from the deadly effects of fentanyl, a powerful drug responsible for numerous overdoses nationwide. In Calcasieu Parish alone, six minors have died from fentanyl overdoses in the past three years. This legislation imposes severe penalties on those selling fentanyl disguised as candy to minors.

Calcasieu District Attorney Stephen Dwight explained that the law targets individuals who disguise fentanyl to look like everyday items such as Flintstones Vitamins, gummies, or starburst candies. Those convicted of such offences will face prison terms ranging from 25 to 99 years. The law also penalises the packaging of fentanyl to resemble branded prescription drugs, with sentences of 10 to 40 years. Dwight emphasised the urgency of removing fentanyl from the streets to prevent further tragedies among children.

Source: KPLC