ODESSA, Texas — The Odessa City Council made a big step forward Tuesday to continue the fight against fentanyl.
Fentanyl and other synthetic opioid drugs are now prohibited substances under a new section of the city's social host accountability ordinance. Anyone caught hosting any sort of gatherings and supplies alcohol or drugs to someone underage will be held accountable and face some serious charges.
"There’s some very stiff financial fines that go along. I don't have the exact amount on the top of my head right now, but yeah, there's some very stiff financial fines that come along with this," Odessa Police Chief Mike Gerke said. "You know when you think about fines, you’re thinking $250, $300. No, we're talking thousands of dollars in fines for violating the social host. so, always keep that in mind."
As graduation is just around the corner, the Odessa City Council felt this was a step in the right direction to not only keep kids safe, but also for parents to learn.
"It's very important for our community. It's important, too, for parents to know how dangerous it is when you host a party with underage [children], under 18, if you're serving them alcohol, you will be in trouble for that," said Denise Swanner, a member of Odessa City Council. "So, it's important, you know, we don't want alcohol, we don't want drugs. We just want the kids to get out and have a good time without any of that, and we just want everyone to know the importance of drinking alcohol and doing drugs, we just know it's dangerous."