Abbott: 'Fentanyl remains the single deadliest drug threat our state and nation has ever encountered'

Gov. Greg Abbott has launched an awareness campaign in response to the influx of fentanyl in the country, according to a press release from the Office of the Texas Governor.

Billed as “One Pill Kills,” the campaign comes on the heels of Abbott’s directive to state agencies to boost their efforts to battle the crisis. 

Austin NBC affiliate KXAN reported that the governor met with state and law enforcement officials on Monday to touch base on the fight against fentanyl so far.

Per his office, Abbott, a Republican, said that the drug kills four Texans a day.

"Fentanyl remains the single deadliest drug threat our state and nation has ever encountered,” he said in the release. "Fentanyl is a clandestine killer, with Mexican drug cartels strategically manufacturing and distributing the drug disguised as painkillers, stimulants, anti-anxiety drugs and even candy.”

Abbott added that the State of Texas classified Mexican drug cartels as terrorist organizations, asserting the Biden administration has been negligent with the problem.

According to the governor, the campaign’s name is straightforward.

“Just one pill laced with fentanyl can take someone's life,” he said in the release. “Together, we will protect more innocent lives from being lost to this deadly drug."

The Texas Legislature will consider new laws focused on fentanyl in the next session, Abbott added.

KXAN reported that Attorney General (AG) Ken Paxton is also taking a stand against opioids.

The station reported that Paxton earlier this month launched a program called “Friday Night Lights Against Opioids,” which will involve the distribution of over 3.5 million home kits at high school football games from Oct. 27 to Dec. 17.