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After deadly teen overdoses, senators back tougher penalties for drug trafficking via social media
Summary
Senate Bill 18 33 would enhance penalties for drug trafficking when social media is used to target minors. Carrollton police and other law‑enforcement witnesses described how platforms were used to sell fentanyl‑laced pills to students, arguing the bill would address a new trafficking 'superhighway.'
Senate Bill 18 33, prompted by a Carrollton trafficking ring that sold fentanyl‑laced counterfeit pills to teenagers over social media, drew support from the Carrollton Police Department and other law‑enforcement witnesses who said platforms are a new distribution channel for deadly synthetic opioids.
Sponsor Senator Carol Parker said the bill targets traffickers who intentionally use social media platforms to market and distribute drugs to youth. "Social media has become the new superhighway for drug trafficking," Parker told the committee, citing cases in which dealers used Instagram, Snapchat and other apps to reach teenagers and deliver counterfeit pills within hours.
Roberto Arredondo, chief of police in Carrollton, described a 2022‑23 investigation that led to roughly 40 adult and juvenile arrests and the seizure of more than 1.2 million fentanyl pills. "Drug dealers have traded in the street corner for their cell phones," Arredondo said, adding that the department prosecuted a trafficking ring that caused student fatalities.
Chiefs and sheriffs urged the committee to enhance penalties when social media is used intentionally to exploit youth. Senators thanked witnesses for the work on the Carrollton case and said they would consider the proposed enhancement as the bill proceeds. The committee held the bill pending for further consideration.
Ending: No vote taken; the committee left SB 18 33 pending.
