---
Governor Pedro Pierluisi Urrutia stated on Thursday that he supports the decriminalization of controlled substance use, although he does not endorse legalizing them, especially in light of the rising number of fentanyl-related fatalities.
“This legalization aspect doesn’t resonate with me,” Pierluisi remarked when asked by reporters. “Decriminalization can be approached to some degree, but it must be executed with significant caution and oversight, as we do not wish to promote drug consumption in Puerto Rico; rather, our goal is to deter it.”
“I have consistently maintained that individuals who use drugs and are addicted should not face imprisonment, except when they are repeat offenders committing numerous crimes without providing alternatives,” the governor further expressed.
Carmen Bonet, head of the Mental Health and Anti-Addiction Services Administration (ASSMCA), emphasized that the agency has been addressing the fentanyl crisis for several years.
“Since 2017, ASSMCA has intensified campaigns aimed at curtailing the availability of illegal fentanyl, as it is important to note that therapeutic fentanyl is regulated due to its strength,” Bonet explained.
“The fentanyl in question is produced in illicit laboratories lacking any quality controls, and it can be deadly,” she remarked. “In recent years, ASSMCA has distributed over 100,000 naloxone kits and trained more than 26,000 individuals, including professionals and community figures.”
Bonet urged “everyone purchasing any substances illegally to be mindful of the potential risk of fentanyl contamination.” She also mentioned that rapid fentanyl testing kits are being provided for individuals with substance use disorders and that ASSMCA will persist in its initiatives across Puerto Rico.
Earlier that same day, the Institute of Forensic Sciences confirmed that a series of fatalities reported in Arecibo resulted from overdoses involving fentanyl mixed with other substances, such as cocaine and xylazine (see related article on page 2).
