Senate committee clears proposal to recognize drug cartels as foreign terrorist organizations

TALLAHASSEE, Fla. – The Senate Committee on Military and Veterans Affairs, Space, and Domestic Security on Tuesday passed a memorial calling for drug cartels be designated as foreign terrorist organizations.

Sen. Blaise Ingoglia, R-Spring Hill, sponsored SM 1020.

“As we’re faced with escalating threats posed by drug cartels, the United States finds itself at a critical juncture where bold measures must be taken to protect our security,” Ingoglia told the committee.

According to Ingoglia, the U.S. Drug Enforcement Agency has seized 50.6 million fentanyl pills and 10,500 pounds of fentanyl powder. He further stated 379 million lethal doses of fentanyl have come from these apprehensions, enough to affect the entire U.S. population.

Ingoglia also slammed drug cartels for exploiting the border’s vulnerabilities.

“Drug cartels have claimed responsibility for the armed abduction and killing of Americans unapologetically,” Ingoglia continued. “The cartels have been responsible for the smuggling, sexual exploitation, and abuse of men, women and children.”

The proposal asks the U.S. secretary of state to make the distinction.

Ingoglia asked for the committee’s approval for the “safety of Floridians.”

SM 1020 passed favorably 4-0.