In the past six years, law enforcement seizures of illicit fentanyl in the United States have seen a dramatic increase. According to recent studies, over 115 million pills containing illicit fentanyl were seized by law enforcement in 2023 alone. This represents a significant shift in the drug landscape, as pills now account for approximately half of all fentanyl seizures.
The opioid crisis has reached new heights with the proliferation of illicit fentanyl. In 2017, only 49,657 pills containing fentanyl were seized by law enforcement. However, this number skyrocketed to over 115 million in just six years.
The proportion of fentanyl pill seizures to the total number of fentanyl seizures more than quadrupled during this period, indicating a concerning trend. Fentanyl is about 50 times more potent than heroin, making even small quantities extremely dangerous. A lethal dose may be as small as two milligrams.
The Western U.S., particularly California, Arizona, and Florida, has seen the most significant increase in fentanyl pill seizures. In 2023, over 77.8% of law enforcement seizures of fentanyl in the Western U.S. were in pill form.
The National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA) and other organizations have been monitoring this trend closely, as the number of drug overdose deaths involving opioids continues to rise. In 2022, over 107,000 people died of a drug overdose in the U.S., with three-quarters involving an opioid.
It is important to note that not all sources reporting on this issue are unbiased or reliable. Some may have a vested interest in sensationalizing the data or promoting certain agendas. As a responsible journalist, it is crucial to verify information from multiple credible sources and avoid drawing conclusions without solid evidence.
