United States Drug Enforcement Administration

MINNEAPOLIS – A billboard along northbound Interstate 94, south of Lowry Avenue, is designed to encourage conversation about fentanyl in support of the Drug Enforcement Administration’s (DEA) Fentanyl Free America initiative. Fentanyl Free America is DEA’s commitment to protecting the United States from synthetic opioids, such as fentanyl, by disrupting supply chains, reducing availability and saving American lives. 

In 2025, DEA agents removed approximately six million deadly doses of fentanyl from Minnesota communities, including nearly 210 pounds of fentanyl powder and 135,000 counterfeit pills. The 467% jump in fentanyl powder seizures in Minnesota follows a nationwide trend in which powder was seen more frequently than in 2024. Agents continue seeing fentanyl mixed with other substances including heroin, methamphetamine and cocaine, with users often unaware of its presence. In encouraging news, DEA labs reported a decline in fentanyl powder purity dropping from 20% in 2024 to 10.3% in 2025. 

The billboard in Minneapolis emphasizes three pillars of the Fentanyl Free America initiative, Protect, Prevent and Support, and features a website for additional information, dea.gov/fentanylfree. 

“Education is a key component to lowering the number of deaths attributed to fentanyl in Minnesota,” DEA Omaha Field Division Special Agent in Charge Dustin Gillespie said. “We need everyone in our community, from teachers to clergy members and medical professionals to coaches, to take an active role and talk with friends and family about the deadly consequences of fentanyl use and experimentation. With multiple voices offering the same appeal, we hope to prevent families from suffering the loss of life that too many have already encountered.”

Fentanyl is a synthetic opioid lethal in small doses. Methamphetamine, also a synthetic or man-made drug, is also seen frequently in Minnesota, with DEA agents removing more than 3,200 pounds in 2025. This marks a 53% increase from 2024.