United States Drug Enforcement Administration

NEW ORLEANS – Marking a powerful start to 2026, the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration New Orleans Field Division (NOFD) dealt a significant blow to drug trafficking networks during Phase II of Operation Fentanyl Free America. Between January 12 and February 10, 2026, DEA NOFD seized more than 76 thousand fentanyl pills and nearly 289 pounds of fentanyl powder resulting in nearly seven million deadly doses of fentanyl removed from communities in just thirty-days. 

Eliminating the threat of fentanyl remains a top priority for DEA. By dismantling these complex transnational criminal organizations and disrupting the intricate illicit financial systems that fund the cartels, DEA is upholding its commitment to the American people to make their communities safer. 

“Behind every milligram of fentanyl we seize is a family across Louisiana, Mississippi, Arkansas, or Alabama that we are fighting to protect,” said Special Agent in Charge Steven Hofer. “By removing nearly seven million deadly doses from the supply chain in just thirty days, the New Orleans Field Division is physically stripping this poison out of our neighborhoods. Our mission is clear: we will continue to dismantle these criminal networks until every street in our four-state area is a safe place for our children to grow up.”

Synthetic drugs like fentanyl and methamphetamine are manufactured on an industrial scale in poly-drug clandestine labs, often using precursor chemicals and pill presses. Transnational criminal organizations often deal in multiple substances, which is reflected in the results of this surge. During this thirty-day operation, DEA NOFD also seized 117 pounds of cocaine, 295 pounds of methamphetamine, 335 pounds of illicit marijuana, 86 firearms, three pill presses, and made 210 arrests.

“The drug poisoning epidemic has been cultivated by designated terrorist cartels who operate like multi-billion-dollar corporations and have weaponized fentanyl with the clear objective to increase America’s dependence on illicit drugs,” said DEA Administrator Terrance Cole. “It will take a targeted, collaborative response to preserve our future. Drug seizures in the United States strike directly at cartel profits, while efforts to disrupt supply chains and dismantle money laundering networks deliver consequences far beyond our borders. Meanwhile, we must reach into our communities nationwide and share the simple truth: One Pill Can Kill. Enforcement saves lives. Education prevents the next tragedy. Together, we can end this crisis."

DEA launched the Fentanyl Free America initiative in October 2025 with a renewed focus on targeted enforcement operations on illicit drug networks, ensuring DEA registrants are working within the closed system of distribution, and increasing public awareness to reduce both the supply and demand of illicit drugs. This was the second targeted enforcement operation under the Fentanyl Free America initiative.

DEA is unwavering in its commitment to achieve a Fentanyl Free America.  We encourage every American to join the fight for a safer, secure future where families continue to make memories and communities are protected from the scourge of synthetic opioids.

Visit DEA.gov/fentanylfree and get involved.