United States Drug Enforcement Administration

SEATTLE- This holiday season, full of travel and family gatherings, the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) Seattle Division is urging communities across the Pacific Northwest to make the most of this time together by having conversations about the dangers of fentanyl. 

 Fentanyl is the deadliest drug threat our nation has ever seen. Here in the Pacific Northwest, we are seizing more fentanyl powder than pills. Drug trafficking organizations are mixing fentanyl powder into all illicit drugs to increase addiction and drive profit. They are fueled by greed and do not care who they harm. Expect fentanyl to be in cocaine, methamphetamine, heroin, and any pills that are not obtained from a licensed pharmacy. The DEA is seeing fentanyl powder in different colors as well as pills in a variety of shapes and colors. 

“This fentanyl crisis is the greatest drug threat I have seen in my 27 years with DEA,” said David F. Reames, Special Agent in Charge, DEA Seattle Field Division. “There are far too often no second chances with fentanyl.  While one pill can kill, one conversation can save.  Please talk to your family and friends about the dangers of fentanyl.”

In 2023, the United States lost more than 107,000 Americans to a drug poisoning or overdose death, with nearly 70 percent of those deaths attributed to opioids such as fentanyl.

The cartels are deliberately marketing illicit fentanyl into pill form to mimic trademarked prescription medication. DEA laboratory testing indicates a majority of pills tested at DEA laboratories contains a potentially lethal dose of fentanyl. Two milligrams of fentanyl is considered a lethal dose, that means one gram of fentanyl, the size of a sugar packet, has the potential to kill up to 500 people.  The only safe pill is one that is prescribed by your doctor and filled at a legitimate pharmacy.

For more information on fentanyl visit One Pill Can Kill | DEA.gov and GetSmartAboutDrugs.gov .