Arizona's top legal official is ringing alarm bells in Washington, D.C., pushing for federal dollars to quickly get high-tech fentanyl scanners out of storage and onto the front lines of the border drug war. In a bid to save Arizona lives and stymie the devastating tide of fentanyl flooding the state, Attorney General Kris Mayes has taken the fight right to Congress' doorstep, urgently demanding action.

In a communiqué that could hardly be more clear, Mayes blasted Congress for failing to fully unleash technology capable of vigorously detecting fentanyl at its point of entry. "The failure of Congress to fund the installation of this much-needed technology is irresponsible and negligent," Mayes stated, also emphasizing the pressing need for Congress to "get its act together" as reported by the Arizona Attorney General's office.

The spotlight has been squarely on Arizona, where more than half of the fentanyl seized nationwide was captured in 2022, pointing to a dire predicament. The DEA adds another chilling layer, estimating almost 70% of fentanyl pills could deliver a fatal blow. "Arizona now serves as the fentanyl funnel for the rest of the nation," Mayes continued, per the Attorney General's Office, describing the state's struggle against a relentless surge in drug overdose deaths fueled by Mexican cartels.

Under Mayes' watchful eye, her office has pledged to aggressively challenge the cartels. However, this latest move underscores a belief that the battle against fentanyl is a joint affair—one that hinges equally on the shoulders of the state and federal powers. "It is ridiculous that technology that would help prevent the flow of this drug into our country sits unused because of Congressional inaction," Mayes asserts, capturing keenly the exasperation echoing through Arizona communities struck by the crisis.