Seattle’s Chinese Intl. District Mayhem

We have to make fentanyl possession a felony again… Five years ago, our Supreme Court struck down simple possession of fentanyl and other drugs as a felony. It went to misdemeanor, then gross misdemeanor with diversion. During this time of weaker consequences, here are the facts: 📉⚠️ Data checklist: • Overdose deaths: 1,259 (2019) → 3,459 (2023) = +175% • WA jumped from mid-pack nationally to top 4-5 worst overdose rates in the US • King County homelessness: +26% (2022–2024) • Statewide PIT counts: +25% in recent years Washington became a clear outlier. People came here knowing low risk of arrest or real jail time for their drug habit. Diversion still lets people smoke fentanyl on the streets — and it’s killing them. Oregon recriminalized and saw sharp overdose drops. Enough is enough. Time to bring fentanyl possession back to a felony with real accountability + mandatory treatment. Treatment First means consequences that actually save lives.