SPOKANE, Wash. – Native Americans are disproportionately affected by the fentanyl crisis, seeing a higher rate of overdose-related deaths. On Wednesday, a Senate Committee Hearing on Indian Affairs was held to discuss the fentanyl crisis in native communities.
United States Attorney for the Eastern District of Washington, Vanessa R. Waldref, testified before the committee.
In her testimony, U.S. Attorney Waldref gave background on the fentanyl crisis in native communities. She highlighted two major takedowns that demonstrate the distribution of fentanyl on Native American reservations.
In Jan 2023, an investigation by the FBI Task Force led to one of the largest drug seizures in Yakima. More than 120,000 fentanyl-laced pills and 42 pounds of methamphetamine were seized near the Yakama Nation.
In another case, an Elmer City man was sentenced to 60 months imprisonment in connection to the overdose death of a young Native American mother. The investigation shows the drugs were bought on the Colville Indian Reservation.
U.S. Attorney Waldref also discussed efforts from the Department of Justice to respond to the crisis, including fentanyl prevention and education. This includes the Drug Enforcement Administration’s Operation Engage. Operation Engage is used to identify drug use trends and enforcement priorities while supporting and contributing to prevention efforts. In 2022, Operation Engage worked with the Spokane Tribe of Indians through the Boys and Girls Club in Wellpinit. Participants focused on making healthy choices and increasing drug prevention and awareness.
“It was an honor to testify before the Senate Committee on Indian Affairs. As I stated in my testimony, the Department of Justice’s commitment to serving Indian country goes beyond prosecution. We are public servants who want to do all we can to make Tribal communities stronger and safer,” stated U.S. Attorney Waldref. “To accomplish that goal, we will continue to work in partnership with Tribal, federal, state, and local partners to effectuate a multi-faceted response to the fentanyl epidemic, who prosecuting those who distribute deadly fentanyl in the Eastern District of Washington.”
For the full hearing, a video is available on the United States Senate Committee on Indian Affairs website.
