Arizona Seeing a 250% Increase in Economic Costs Associated with the Fentanyl Crisis and Failed Border Policies

Phoenix, AZ— On Wednesday, August 24, 2022, the Common Sense Institute Arizona released a new report, “Fentanyl, Crime, and the Southern Border,” detailing the economic and human toll of fentanyl, addiction, and failed border policies. The report states, “Economic costs of the fentanyl crisis in Arizona increased to $53 billion last year – a 250% increase since 2010.” 

This fentanyl crisis is exacerbated not only by the crackdown on access to prescription painkillers but also by the decriminalization of possession and public use of illegal drugs, the Biden administration’s lax physical security at the U.S.-Mexico border, and a surge in migrant encounters. These contributing factors lead to the U.S. Customs and Border Patrol (CBP) seizing fewer substances, leaving much of the burden to local law enforcement. 

“This report is timely and confirms what law enforcement is seeing firsthand - that failed border policies are taking a toll on our local communities and law enforcement resources. Local law enforcement is now taking responsibility for seizing these loads of drugs that are no longer being caught at the border because CBP is tied up dealing with the migrant issue. These drugs are pouring into our community, and as a result, we see overdose deaths reach the highest levels ever. Something has to change. I applaud the Common Sense Institute Arizona for taking a hard look at this important issue,” said Jobe Dickinson, President of BSA. 

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