President Trump will host a ceremony Wednesday to sign the bipartisan HALT Fentanyl Act, which toughens prison sentences for trafficking fentanyl and its copycat variants by classifying them as Schedule I drugs.

The legislation aims to close legal loopholes and help law enforcement target traffickers.

Critics warn it could impose harsh penalties on drug users, CNN has reported.

Families who lost loved ones to fentanyl overdoses will speak at the event, which will also be attended by congressional leaders and law enforcement groups.

Written by B.C. Begley