WATCH: Gov. Abbott urges parents to educate children about fentanyl, speaks on Uvalde
HOUSTON, Texas -- Texas Governor Greg Abbott is touring Houston's Department of Public Safety Crime Lab. Gov. Abbott and held a news conference on the growing fentanyl crisis in Texas.
Abbott said that DPS seizures of fentanyl have "skyrocketed" 1000 percent in one year, but that the efforts of law enforcement alone are not enough to effectively fight the spread of fentanyl.
The governor urged parents across the state to educate their children about fentanyl and its risks, saying that parents are one of the most effective tools in fighting the spread of the narcotic.
Abbott also responded to questioning regarding the Uvalde school shooting and recent updates in the case.
The state of Texas will be "providing every possible avenue of caring for the victims," said Abbott, including a 5 billion dollar center to help treat mental health and other health issues, and that the victims' families will know all the facts that led to the tragedy.
Abbott said that before the beginning of this coming school year, all Texas schools must be evaluated to ensure that they live up to the standards of public safety.
Joined by the Governor:
- Senator Paul Bettencourt
- Montgomery County Sheriff Rand Henderson
- Houston Police Department Narcotics Commander Bryan Bennett
- DPS Seized Drug System Trainer Jennifer Hatch
- Crime Stoppers of Houston CEO Rania Mankarious and Deputy Director Nichole Christoph
