fentanyl
Coverage of fentanyl in the Nexus archive.
- EXCLUSIVE: Fentanyl deaths plunge 22% as Trump White House touts crackdown on deadly drug crisis
The White House announced a 22% plunge in fentanyl-linked deaths and a 14% fall in total drug overdose deaths over one year. The administration credits this decline to its border crackdown, counter-narcotics policies, and arrests of convicted fentanyl traffickers. These measures were highlighted as evidence that disruption upstream is reducing the amount of drugs reaching American communities.
- EXCLUSIVE: Fentanyl deaths plunge 22% as Trump White House touts crackdown on deadly drug crisis
Fentanyl-linked deaths plunged 22% in a single year, dropping from 48,913 in 2024 to 38,084 in 2025. Total drug overdose deaths fell 14%, going from 81,313 to 69,973 during the same period. The White House attributed this decline and a 45% drop in nationwide fentanyl seizures to its border crackdown, anti-narcotics policies, and arrests of traffickers.
- Officials Urge Families to Raise Awareness About Fentanyl
Federal drug enforcement officials in Los Angeles are urging parents and families to educate young people about the dangers of fentanyl. This advice comes as the nation observes the fifth National Fentanyl Prevention and Awareness Day, which focuses on the theme “Power of the Parent.” The Drug Enforcement Administration highlighted that parents play a critical role in raising awareness and protecting loved ones.
- Murder convict accused of running 'full-service drug operation' selling to minors near Texas schools
Jahml McDonald, who has a prior murder conviction, was arrested after the Galveston County Organized Crime Task Force raided his home in Texas City. Authorities found that he allegedly ran a "full-service drug operation," selling narcotics and fentanyl pills disguised as ecstasy to minors near local schools and colleges.
- Suspected drug dealer busted with cocaine, fentanyl and cash seized
Following search warrants carried out yesterday, law enforcement seized several items. The bust targeted a suspected drug dealer and resulted in the seizure of drugs, cocaine, fentanyl, a pair of hand guns, and over $14,000 in cash.
- DEA Detroit seizes 8.5 million potentially deadly doses of fentanyl, 142 guns seized, 176 arrests
The Drug Enforcement Administration’s Detroit Field Division seized about 8.5 million doses of fentanyl, 142 guns, and recovered $2.6 million in assets during an operation that led to 176 arrests. The effort continues the fight against fentanyl trafficking in Detroit and across the region ahead of National Fentanyl Prevention and Awareness Day.
- Routine California traffic stop leads to seizure of 30 pounds of cocaine worth more than $800K
California authorities seized over $800,000 worth of suspected cocaine from a vehicle stopped in Merced County after an alleged traffic violation. The investigation is being handled by the Merced Area Gang Narcotics Enforcement Team (MAGNET). Additionally, federal agencies reported other large seizures, including over half-a-ton of cocaine at the Calexico Port of Entry and drugs found concealed in cucumber shipments.
- A 15-year-old killed Pop Smoke — then got caught smuggling fentanyl into juvenile hall
A young man previously connected to the 2020 shooting of Pop Smoke in the Hollywood Hills has faced new charges. He pleaded no contest to accusations that he was smuggling fentanyl into juvenile hall.
- A 15-year-old killed Pop Smoke — then got caught smuggling fentanyl into juvenile hall
A young man, who is serving time for the 2020 shooting of rapper Pop Smoke in the Hollywood Hills, pleaded no contest to charges. The new charges accused him of smuggling fentanyl into juvenile hall.
- Mexican national faces federal charges after CBP finds $238K in fentanyl inside electric moped
U.S. Customs and Border Protection discovered over 16 pounds of fentanyl, valued at nearly $240,000, hidden inside an electric moped at the southern border. A 22-year-old Mexican national is facing federal charges related to this seizure. The article notes that CBP has seized other high-value narcotics, including cocaine and methamphetamine, through various inspections at multiple points of entry.
- CMPD seizes nearly 25 pounds of suspected cocaine from storage unit
Hickory Grove police seized nearly 25 pounds of suspected cocaine after a buyer discovered packaged drugs inside a storage unit purchased at an auction. During the investigation, officers also seized more than three ounces of suspected methamphetamine and approximately 0.89 ounces of suspected fentanyl. The Mint Hill Police Department assisted in this case.
- Shocking number of 8th graders don’t think fentanyl is dangerous — even though it’s a leading cause of death: study
A study reveals that many American 8th graders perceive fentanyl as not dangerous, despite it being the third leading cause of child deaths. The drug's risks remain underestimated by this age group.
- People struggling with fentanyl addiction have a new option in Denver
A new Medication Aided Treatment Clinic in Denver, operated by nonprofit WellPower, offers accessible opioid addiction treatments like Suboxone and Sublocade. Nicole, a fentanyl addiction survivor, advocates for the program, highlighting its effectiveness in reducing cravings and providing peer and medical support.
- 5 Mexican cartel bosses charged in weapons, drug trafficking, timeshare fraud schemes, DOJ says
The U.S. Department of Justice announced federal charges against five senior members of the Jalisco New Generation Cartel (CJNG) for drug trafficking, weapons offenses, and a timeshare fraud scheme targeting elderly Americans. The fraud involved deceptive tactics like fake government communications and impersonated lawyers to extract payments from victims.
- Honduran men sentenced in fentanyl trafficking case, to be deported after prison
Two Honduran men were sentenced to federal prison for trafficking fentanyl in North Carolina and will be deported after serving their terms. The investigation revealed drug distribution, stolen firearms, and over $159,400 in transactions documented in seized ledgers.
- Two Honduran men sentenced in Charlotte for trafficking large amounts of fentanyl
Two Honduran men illegally in the country were sentenced for trafficking fentanyl in the Charlotte area, according to Russ Ferguson, U.S. Attorney for the Western District of North Carolina.
- Drug trafficking suspect arrested during alleged attempt to relocate narcotics to new storage facility in Nashville
A 21-year-old man was arrested in Nashville after detectives intercepted him while relocating narcotics to a new storage facility. Law enforcement found 15.7 lbs. of methamphetamine, 5.1 lbs. of fentanyl, and other drugs in his vehicle, leading to charges of felony drug possession and weapon possession.
- Over $73K worth of drugs busted during search warrants in Detroit, police say
Over $73,000 worth of drugs, including cocaine and fentanyl, were seized in Detroit during police search warrants executed on July 28. Six people were arrested, and items such as cash, a vehicle, and firearm accessories were confiscated.
- Detroit police seize $75K in cocaine, fentanyl during drug trafficking investigation; 6 arrested
Detroit police arrested six individuals and seized over $75,000 worth of suspected cocaine and fentanyl during a drug trafficking investigation. The operation, which included searches at two locations with assistance from Michigan State Police, led to four felony and two misdemeanor arrests, with the investigation ongoing.
- Veterinary hospital employee accused of taking fentanyl from work, replacing it with salt water
A veterinary hospital employee is accused of stealing fentanyl from her workplace and replacing it with salt water. Alison Klafehn, 41, was arrested after admitting to ingesting the drug and was charged with theft and prescription drug fraud. The university confirmed strict protocols for controlled substances and terminated the employee for misconduct.
- Veterinary hospital employee accused of taking fentanyl from work, replacing it with salt water
A veterinary hospital employee, Alison Klafehn, is accused of stealing fentanyl from her workplace, replacing it with salt water, and ingesting it. She was arrested and charged with theft and prescription drug fraud after security cameras and irregularities in drug access led to an investigation. The university reported strict protocols and terminated her for gross misconduct.
- Veterinary hospital employee accused of taking fentanyl from work, replacing it with salt water
A veterinary hospital employee, Alison Klafehn, is accused of stealing fentanyl from her workplace and replacing it with salt water. She was arrested after admitting to ingesting the drug, and the university has terminated her for gross misconduct.
- Vale man found guilty of trafficking fentanyl
A Vale man was found guilty of trafficking fentanyl and sentenced to seven to ten years in prison, according to the District Attorney's Office.
- 3 arrested after East Nashville drug investigation leads to seizure of cocaine, fentanyl
Three individuals were arrested in East Nashville following a drug investigation at an apartment. Law enforcement seized cocaine and fentanyl during the operation.
- Nashville couple arrested after deputies find pound of meth, other drugs in Warren County
A Nashville couple was arrested in Warren County after deputies discovered approximately one pound of methamphetamine, fentanyl, marijuana, and other drugs during a traffic stop. Both women face multiple felony charges, including possession of methamphetamine and fentanyl, and are being held in Warren County Jail on bonds exceeding $100,000 each.
- Career criminal sentenced for running fentanyl ring at now-demolished Dallas motel
Earnest Ray Miller was sentenced to 25 years in federal prison for operating a fentanyl distribution ring at the Cole Manor Motel in Dallas. The motel is now demolished.
- A California-funded homeless shelter gave us meth pipes
Gov. Gavin Newsom supported harm reduction policies that funded syringe services programs for individuals who inject or smoke fentanyl and methamphetamines. The California-funded initiative aims to enable drug use by the homeless in the name of 'safer' practices.
- 2 Texas men sentenced to 11+ years in federal fentanyl trafficking scheme
Two North Texas men have been sentenced to over 11 years in federal prison for distributing fentanyl-laced counterfeit pills across the Dallas-Fort Worth area as part of a drug trafficking conspiracy.
- Man sentenced additional time after leading drug trafficking conspiracy while in prison
Terrance Edward Brown, 44, was sentenced to an additional 18 years and 8 months in prison for leading a drug trafficking conspiracy while incarcerated. He was convicted of conspiracy to manufacture, distribute, and possess drugs including cocaine, fentanyl, para-fluorofentanyl, and heroin, as well as conspiracy to launder money.
- K-9 Cash helps uncover over 11 pounds of meth in monthslong investigation, Galveston County sheriff says
K-9 Cash helped uncover over 11 pounds of meth during a months-long investigation in Galveston County, according to the sheriff. Authorities also seized fentanyl, body armor, a gun, and cash.
- Inland Empire woman gets 15 to life for supplying fatal fentanyl dose
A 23-year-old woman was sentenced to 15 years to life in prison for supplying a lethal fentanyl dose that killed a 27-year-old Moreno Valley man. She was convicted of second-degree murder by a jury.
- Tragic new details revealed in ‘How to Eat Fried Worm’ child star Blake Garrett’s death
Actor Blake Garrett, who played Plug in the 2006 movie 'How to Eat Fried Worm,' died in February at 33 from an accidental fentanyl overdose.
- Tragic new details revealed in ‘How to Eat Fried Worm’ child star Blake Garrett’s death
Actor Blake Garrett, who played Plug in the 2006 movie 'How to Eat Fried Worm,' died in February at 33 from an accidental fentanyl overdose.
- Man accused of trafficking 11.5 pounds of fentanyl through Charlotte airport
A man is accused of trafficking 11.5 pounds of fentanyl through Charlotte Douglas International Airport. Daniel Farfan was arrested in Union County and charged with trafficking opium or heroin and maintaining a dwelling for controlled substances. Deputies seized the drugs destined for Monroe.
- $1 million bond for man accused of transporting pounds of fentanyl from California to North Carolina
A man is accused of transporting pounds of fentanyl from California to North Carolina, leading to a $1 million bond. Deputies and narcotics detectives received a tip about the transportation through Charlotte Airport on July 18.
- SoCal woman convicted of murder for supplying lethal fentanyl dose: 'She's an evil person'
Savanna Michelle Carlos, 23, was sentenced to 15 years to life after being convicted of second-degree murder for supplying fentanyl that caused a Riverside County man's death. The article describes her as 'an evil person' in a quoted statement.
- SoCal woman convicted of murder for supplying lethal fentanyl dose: 'She's an evil person'
Savanna Michelle Carlos, 23, was convicted of second-degree murder for supplying a lethal fentanyl dose that caused the death of a Riverside County man. She was sentenced to 15 years to life in prison.
- Man arrested in Monroe after 11.5 pounds of fentanyl seized
Daniel Farfan was arrested in Monroe after 11.5 pounds of fentanyl were seized by a joint investigation involving the Union County Sheriff’s Office and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives. Farfan was charged with trafficking and maintaining a dwelling for drug distribution, with a $1 million secured bond set.
- Minnesota woman convicted after fentanyl bust with child in the car
A Minnesota woman was convicted for trafficking hundreds of grams of fentanyl in 2024. During an arrest, officers found her 6-year-old son in the car and a loaded handgun. The case involved drug distribution with an undercover officer and resulted in a minimum 10-year prison sentence.
- Nashville police respond to 6 fatal overdoses in 24 hours
The Metro Nashville Police Department responded to six fatal overdoses in 24 hours between July 14 and 15, caused by different drugs. Over 300 overdose reversal kits were distributed to affected neighborhoods, and police emphasized the dangers of fentanyl. Naloxone is available free at the Metro Nashville Health Department, with plans to install 75 more Narcan-equipped ONEboxes.