Local parents demand drug dealers be held accountable after losing children to fentanyl overdose

COLUMBIA, SC (WOLO) — “It only takes one mistake.” — That’s what many parents were saying at a SC Statehouse rally on Tuesday morning, after losing a child to a fentanyl overdose.

And they believe more must be done by lawmakers. Parents say they’re pushing for a new bill to pass that will bring accountability to drug dealers.

Over 20 parents stood on the Statehouse grounds holding a photograph of their child — all dead from a fentanyl overdose.

They’re hoping a new bill known as “Fentanyl Induced Homicide,” or H-3476, S-1, will help prevent further loss.

Holly Alsobrooks says she lost her son, Cody, from a single pill laced with fentanyl.

“Seven out of ten pills, according to the DEA, that you purchase on the streets are laced with a lethal amount of fentanyl,” Alsobrooks says.

She believes last year’s fentanyl trafficking bill was a start, but legislation must go further.

“We want drug dealers held accountable. These kids have to wake up and not take anything that they’re given. Parents, you have to talk to your kids about this. We’re all about spreading awareness. And educating people about fentanyl and Narcan, and this is not just a problem for people who are quote, drug addicts, this happens to everyone,” she says.

The bill will help crack down on drug dealers — making its distribution a felony offense and carrying up to a 30 year prison sentence.

Parents say fentanyl coming across the border remains a major concern, but the drug dealers that sold to their children are local community members.  They believe without stricter laws, there’s not much law enforcement can do.

So they’re asking for lawmakers to help.

“Do something!! Save our children!! Stop this now!!” says one mom.

And while its too late for so many parents like Jada Smith, who lost her son josh to a fentanyl overdose, they say they won’t stop fighting for this bill so that other moms and dads don’t have to one day hold a photograph of their child.

“They’re putting it in Adderall, Percocets, you name it. They’re putting fentanyl in it. Making fake pills. Putting it on weed. So talk to your children, tell them. Don’t be scared. Don’t think, ‘Oh, we don’t need to have that conversation,’ because that’s what I thought, and this is what I hold today. I have my memories and a sign,” says Smith.

Lawmakers have until the SC legislative session ends on May 9th to pass the bill. If it doesn’t get approved this year, parents say they will help reintroduce the bill every year until change occurs.

Many of the parents at Tuesday’s rally are part of three groups known as FEAR (Fentanyl Educational Awareness Resources), FKU (Fentanyl Kills You), and Foothills Fentanyl Fight.