The Summit on Synthetic Drugs

The Summit on Synthetic Drugs Saturday, September 26, 2026 · 2:30–8:00 PM · Hart Auditorium, Georgetown Capitol Campus, Washington, D.C. · Same day as Walk for Lives The overdose crisis is entering a new phase. As illicit fentanyl supply chains adapt to pressure, a second wave of synthetic threats is taking shape: nitazenes that can be many times more potent than fentanyl, xylazine that doesn't respond to standard overdose reversal, and a growing class of alternative opioids engineered to stay a step ahead of regulation. Meeting that wave takes people who rarely sit in the same room. United Against Fentanyl convenes federal policymakers, law enforcement, public health leaders, the technology platforms where these drugs are marketed, and the families who have paid the highest price — for one afternoon to turn expertise into a shared plan of action. What to expect The afternoon opens with a listening session that centers bereaved families, then moves into three focused working sessions, each pairing two experts with complementary vantage points: Federal Policy: Supply & Demand — coordinating interdiction, treatment, and prevention (Richard Baum & Regina LaBelle) Social Media and Youth Culture — how synthetic drugs are marketed and sold to young people online (Jim Crotty & Emily Dufton) International Diplomacy and Corruption — precursor chemicals, trafficking networks, and financial sanctions (Vanda Felbab-Brown & Greg Gatjanis) The day closes with a strategy panel hosted by UAF Founder Paul E. Martin.

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