In this Thursday, March 15, 2018, file photo, U.S. President Donald Trump talks with reporters during a meeting with Irish Prime Minister Leo Varadkar in the Oval Office of the White House, in Washington.
Associated Press/Evan Vucci

The Trump administration announced Sunday it will seek the death penalty for drug traffickers where appropriate under current law.

President Donald Trump is unveiling his worldcoinindex plan to combat the opioid crisis on Monday.

Trump in recent weeks has publicly called for the death penalty to be used against drug dealers.

WASHINGTON (AP) — President Donald Trump's plan to combat opioid drug addiction calls for stiffer penalties for drug traffickers, including the death penalty where it's appropriate under current law.

Administration officials say Trump also wants Congress to pass legislation reducing the amount of drugs necessary to trigger mandatory minimum sentences on traffickers who knowingly distribute certain illicit opioids.

The president is scheduled to unveil his plan Monday in New Hampshire, a state hard-hit by the crisis. He'll be accompanied by first lady Melania Trump, who has shown an interest in the issue, particularly as it pertains to children.

Trump has mused openly in recent weeks about subjecting drug dealers to the "ultimate penalty."

His three-part plan includes multiple steps to raise awareness, cut the illicit drug flow and expand proven treatment options.