Today President Trump signed a package of measures that includes the provisions of The Synthetics Trafficking and Overdose Prevention (STOP) Act. This marks a critical step toward codifying critical changes to the U.S. Postal Service’s protocols that will greatly assist law enforcement and security agencies. Under the current framework the U.S. Postal Service’s network has proven immensely susceptible to unchecked shipments from foreign countries, which have resulted in the transport harmful products – including deadly opioids like fentanyl – into the U.S.

The solutions created by the STOP will give the law enforcement the tools necessary to begin stemming the intrusion of illicit items in the nation’s mail system. Specifically, this entails requirements on the USPS to collect and monitor advanced electronic data on shipments that enter the country.

Such responsibilities would parallel the practices used by the private delivery companies, which track every package and gather key data on the contents in order to assist coordination with U.S. Customs and Border Protection other federal securities entities.

The continued absence of a consistent code for private shippers and the Postal Service has produced grave challenges surrounding the flow hazardous substances. Amidst the nation’s ongoing opioid epidemic, drug traffickers have regularly succeeded in using the USPS to transport synthetic opioids from countries like China to U.S. destinations. 

American Consumer Institute, has closely followed the proceedings involving the STOP Act and praised the Members who Congress who have shepherded the development of the proposal. Now as the STOP Act is signed into law, ACI further emphasizes the need to ensure that the Postal Service is not used to transport harmful products. Policies such as The STOP Act are undoubtedly necessary for consumer safety, and advancing the White House’s overall agenda to Stop Opioid Abuse.

Share: