Federal authorities say supervised drug-use site is illegal

Federal authorities say Denver’s proposal to host a facility where people can use drugs under the supervision of medical professionals is illegal.

The Denver Post reports the U.S. Attorney’s Office and a Drug Enforcement Administration field office sent a letter Tuesday to Denver officials, warning that people involved in the facility could face criminal and civil penalties.

The Denver City Council and Mayor Michael Hancock have approved a law that would allow the city to host a supervised drug-use facility in an effort to prevent overdose deaths and help connect people to services.

Councilman Albus Brooks defended the law, saying the city “cannot wait for federal action while the death toll rises.”

State legislators are considering taking up the question this session.