Arizona Enacts Tougher Prison Sentences for Fentanyl Traffickers

In response to the growing fentanyl crisis sweeping across the state, Arizona has just enacted a new law to impose tougher penalties on those trafficking large quantities of the deadly drug.

The law, which was signed by Governor Katie Hobbs on April 18, 2025, increases prison sentences for individuals caught in possession of 200 grams or more of fentanyl with the intent to sell. Offenders will face a mandatory minimum sentence of five years, with a presumptive term of ten years, and a maximum of 15 years in prison. For those who have been convicted previously for similar offenses, the sentence could be extended by an additional five years.

Representative Quang Nguyen, who represents Yavapai County and chairs the House Judiciary Committee, championed the new law, which he said was necessary to protect Arizona’s families from the devastating impact of fentanyl. “Fentanyl is killing our kids and tearing apart families,” said Nguyen. “Anyone moving this amount of the deadly drug should be treated as a trafficker and locked up for a long time. Arizona families deserve to be safe, and this law gives law enforcement the tools they need to stop these criminals before they can do any more harm.”

The law is part of the Arizona House Republican Majority Plan, focusing on public safety and border security. By enhancing penalties for fentanyl traffickers, it aims to reduce the flow of the drug into the state and prevent repeat offenders from slipping through the cracks. Law enforcement now has stronger legal support to crack down on fentanyl trafficking, helping to address the growing opioid crisis that has been responsible for thousands of overdose deaths across the nation.

Under the new legislation, repeat offenders who are caught with fentanyl will face significantly harsher penalties. A second conviction for trafficking 200 grams or more of fentanyl will result in a sentence of 10 to 20 years. This is designed to deter individuals from returning to the drug trade after serving time for similar crimes.

The bill, which was introduced in early 2025, passed through both the House and Senate with broad support. It has now been signed into law, allowing for immediate enforcement. The law includes provisions for adjusting sentences based on the specifics of each case, giving judges flexibility to impose more or less severe penalties depending on the circumstances.

This move by Arizona comes as part of a broader trend among states working to combat the fentanyl crisis. The state has become one of the first to introduce such harsh sentencing measures for fentanyl trafficking, and many other states are likely to follow suit. The goal is to make it clear that fentanyl trafficking is not something that will be tolerated, and to ensure that those involved in bringing this lethal drug into the state face serious consequences.

Arizona’s new law sets a strong precedent in the fight against fentanyl. It sends a clear message to traffickers: if you’re caught bringing large amounts of fentanyl into the state, you will face significant time behind bars. This is a critical step in combating the fentanyl epidemic and making communities safer for Arizona families.

For Representative Nguyen, the passage of this law is a personal victory in the fight against fentanyl. He believes that by taking strong action now, Arizona can make a real difference in curbing the flow of fentanyl into communities and saving lives in the process.