By Associated Press - Wednesday, June 14, 2017

TALLAHASSEE, Fla. (AP) - Florida is cracking down on those found in possession of fentanyl.

Gov. Rick Scott on Wednesday signed a bill that creates tougher penalties involving the drug or derivatives of the drug.

One part of the legislation includes a three-year mandatory-minimum sentence for people caught with 4 grams of fentanyl.

This part of the bill sparked a sharp debate in the Legislature, as some opponents said it would open the door to criminalizing drug users, not just drug traffickers.

The final version of the bill also has tougher penalties for synthetic drugs offenders, including murder charges for drug dealers in cases where the buyer overdoses and dies.

Scott in a statement said the legislation will help the state deal with the opioid crisis.

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