SCRANTON, Pa. — U.S. Senator Bob Casey, (D-PA), was joined by city officials at Scranton Police Headquarters on Monday to talk about the Stop Fentanyl at the Border Act recently passed by the Senate.
The legislation would provide funding for more Border Patrol officers, state-of-the-art equipment for searching vehicles, and stricter sanctions on those who bring fentanyl over the border and into small towns across America.
"Our officers in the city of Scranton administer Narcan, respond to fatal overdoses, and deal with distraught families daily," said Scranton Police Chief Tom Carroll.
Maryann Veno from Archbald shared how fentanyl has impacted her family. Her son A.J. was 22 years old when he died from an overdose on December 15, 2017.
"The nightmare of seeing your son on his bed, barely breathing, covered in his own blood and vomit, is etched in my mind forever. It is a nightmare that continues while I am awake," Veno said.
Lackawanna County Coroner Timothy Rowland says his office has seen a substantial increase in overdose deaths in the last five years, many of which are fentanyl-related.
"Usually one or two a week," Rowland said. "When we were in 2021, we hit the high of 110 for the year. It was staggering."
Veno says her son's tragic death could have been prevented and hopes other families don't have to go through what she has.
"I will never get to see my son again. I will never get to hug him, to ask him about his day, to watch him become the adult he was trying to be. I may not have my son here, but if I can save at least one life, I have accomplished something."
The proposed legislation still has to be passed by the House.
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