7 Out of 10 Pills Contain Lethal Dose of Fentanyl
In 2023, the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) marked its 50th anniversary, a significant milestone in its ongoing dedication to combating deadly drugs and drug-related violence. This commemoration, however, was not just a celebration but a stark acknowledgment of the unprecedented threat posed by fentanyl, the leading cause of death for Americans aged 18 to 45. A new DEA press release highlights the alarming rise in the potency of fentanyl, emphasizing that it is deadlier than ever before. In 2023 alone, the DEA seized a staggering 77 million fentanyl pills and nearly 12,000 pounds of fentanyl powder. This amounts to over 386 million deadly doses—enough to potentially kill every American.
The Changing Face of Fentanyl
DEA laboratory testing revealed a disturbing trend in the potency of fentanyl pills. In 2023, 7 out of 10 pills tested contained a potentially lethal dose, a significant increase from 4 out of 10 in 2021 and 6 out of 10 in 2022. The article underscores the gravity of the situation, highlighting that a potentially deadly dose is as little as two milligrams, roughly the amount that fits on the tip of a pencil.
The Human Toll
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s prediction of record drug poisonings for 2023 paints a grim picture, with an estimated 112,323 American lives lost. Almost 70% of these drug poisonings are attributed to fentanyl, further emphasizing the urgency of addressing this public health crisis.
DEA’s Unprecedented Response
In response to the escalating threat, the DEA has taken unprecedented action. The agency’s mission is clear: save American lives by targeting the two cartels responsible for the majority of fentanyl flooding the country—the Sinaloa Cartel and the Jalisco Cartel. The DEA has established Counter Threat Teams focused on each cartel and their illicit finance networks, drawing on intelligence from their global network of offices to map out the cartels’ operations.
Global Reach of the Cartels
While the cartels are based in Mexico, the DEA has identified over 50 additional countries where these criminal networks operate. The article outlines the DEA’s efforts to disrupt every step of the fentanyl supply chain, from charging Chinese chemical companies for supplying precursor chemicals to extraditing cartel leaders in Mexico and tracking down individuals responsible for the distribution of fentanyl on American streets and social media.
Conclusion
The DEA’s unwavering commitment to protecting American lives is evident in its proactive approach to combating the fentanyl threat. As the agency commemorates its 50th anniversary, it faces one of the most significant challenges in its history. The battle against fentanyl requires not only reactive measures but also continuous innovation and a data-driven, intelligence-led strategy. The DEA’s actions in 2023 reflect a determination to meet the challenges of tomorrow and safeguard the well-being of the American people. To read the article visit DEA. For help with fentanyl addiction contact us.