Bill to Combat Proliferation of Chinese-linked Illicit Drugs in Maine Signed into Law

Washington, D.C.– U.S. Senator Susan Collins, Chair of the Senate Appropriations Committee, secured significant funding and legislative language to support efforts to combat the proliferation of Chinese-linked illicit drug operations in Maine in the Fiscal Year (FY) 2026 National Security, Department of State, and Related Programs (NSRP) Appropriations Act. The bill, which passed the Senate last week and was approved by the House of Representatives this afternoon, has been signed into law.
“PRC-linked criminal syndicates continue to expand their illegal marijuana grow operations in Maine while contributing to the flow of fentanyl and its precursor chemicals that threaten communities in our state and across the country,”said Senator Susan Collins, Chair of the Appropriations Committee.“This legislation strengthens our ongoing efforts to expose and disrupt these networks and provide law enforcement with the information and tools they need to protect public safety.”
Funding and legislative language advanced by Senator Collins includes:
Chinese Criminal Syndicates and Marijuana Grows Report.The bill includes language directing the Secretary of State, in consultation with the heads of other relevant federal agencies, to submit a report to the appropriate congressional committees regarding PRC-linked criminal syndicates or nationals who may be directly or indirectly involved in illegal drug and money laundering operations in the United States, including in Maine, California, and Oregon.
Countering the Flow of Fentanyl.The bill includes $150M to counter the flow of fentanyl, fentanyl precursors, and other synthetic drugs into the United States.
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