Puerto Rico's Governor Advocates For Decriminalization Of Controlled Substances, Amid Fentanyl Crisis

Puerto Rico’s Governor Pedro Pierluisi Urrutia made an argument in favor of decriminalizing the consumption of all controlled substances ostensibly to address the fentanyl crisis.

“I have said since the 90s that drug users should not be imprisoned, except when it’s a repeat offense and they are committing crimes that leave no other option,” he said. But “traffickers are a different matter.”

Fentanyl Crisis In Puerto Rico

The Governor reaffirmed his administration's efforts to combat the ongoing fentanyl crisis in Puerto Rico, reported Noticel.

In response to a surge in fentanyl-related deaths, particularly in Arecibo, Pierluisi emphasized that the Mental Health and Anti-Addiction Services Administration (ASSMCA) has been addressing the issue throughout his term.

"The matter of fentanyl has been tackled from the start of my administration. ASSMCA has been at the forefront of confronting this poison," Pierluisi said, referencing a media campaign that predates the recent wave of overdoses in Arecibo.

ASSMCA has distributed hundreds of naloxone kits in Arecibo with additional efforts focused on identifying the sources of illicit fentanyl entering the island.

The governor did not rule out the possibility of contaminated shipments reaching Puerto Rico and pledged intensified efforts to trace and eliminate supply chains.

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Legalization: ‘Not For Me’

While having a strong point of view regarding criminalization, Pierluisi made it clear that he does not support full legalization.

"This legalization thing is not for me," he said. Regarding the recent cannabis decriminalization project, that failed to pass the first assembly vote, the governor recalled said, “It could be addressed in a future assembly, but it needs to strike a balance and not go to an extreme. If it's seen as drug legalization, it doesn't make sense.”

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Quotes translated by Rolando García

Cover: Governor Pedro R. Pierluisi Federal Affairs Administration Newsroom