United States Drug Enforcement Administration

CHARLOTTE, N.C. – Ahead of National Fentanyl Prevention and Awareness Day on Friday, August 21, the U.S. Attorney’s Office is raising awareness about the dangers of illicit fentanyl and inviting the public to join “A Conversation on Fentanyl: Awareness, Prevention, and Public Health.” U.S. Attorney Russ Ferguson will host the Facebook Live discussion on Tuesday, August 18, at 10 a.m. ET, focusing on prevention, enforcement, treatment, and recovery.
U.S. Attorney Ferguson will be joined by Eric Conaway, Assistant Special Agent in Charge of the Drug Enforcement Administration’s Charlotte Division, Atrium Health emergency room physician Dr. Cory Hines, and treatment and recovery expert Mackie Johnson, Executive Director of MCJ Counseling Services.

National Fentanyl Prevention and Awareness Day is observed annually on August 21 and brings together families, law enforcement, healthcare professionals, educators, community organizations, and others to increase education about the dangers of illicit fentanyl.

Illicit fentanyl remains one of the most dangerous drug threats facing our communities. Fentanyl is extremely potent, and even a small amount can be potentially lethal. Fentanyl is often mixed into other illicit drugs and pressed into counterfeit pills made to resemble legitimate prescription medicines.

“Some of the heaviest days I have as U.S. Attorney are meeting families who have lost a loved one to a fentanyl overdose,” said U.S. Attorney Russ Ferguson. “This drug has devastated families across Western North Carolina. National Fentanyl Prevention and Awareness Day is a time to remember those we have lost to an overdose, educate people about the dangers of counterfeit pills and other illicit drugs, and support those seeking treatment and recovery. The fentanyl crisis cannot be solved by any one agency or organization. We all have a role to play, from law enforcement and healthcare professionals, to parents, educators, and families. My office will continue pursuing cartels, drug trafficking organizations, and distributors who bring this poison into our communities, while working with our partners to promote prevention, education, treatment, and recovery. Awareness and support can save lives.”

“National Fentanyl Prevention and Awareness Day reminds us that protecting our communities starts with prevention,” said Jae W. Chung, Special Agent in Charge of the DEA Atlanta Field Division. “We must protect lives by raising awareness of the dangers of fentanyl, prevent tragedy through education and informed decision-making, and support families with the resources they need to have these important conversations. Together, we can save lives and work toward a Fentanyl Free America.”

Identifying and dismantling drug trafficking networks remains a top enforcement priority for the U.S. Attorney’s Office and our law enforcement partners. Federal prosecutors regularly handle cases involving traffickers responsible for distributing fentanyl and other illicit drugs.
On August 13, 2026, a repeat federal drug trafficker and his girlfriend were sentenced for distributing fentanyl.

• On August 13, 2026, a North Carolina physician was sentenced for conspiring to allow his DEA registration number to be used for thousands of unlawful buprenorphine prescriptions.
• On August 12, 2026, an illegal alien and affiliate of the Sinaloa Cartel was sentenced for trafficking more than 133,000 counterfeit pills containing fentanyl.
• On August 5, 2026, two illegal aliens from Honduras were sentenced for fentanyl trafficking.
• On July 21, 2026, a convicted felon on probation was sentenced for distributing guns and drugs, including fentanyl.
• On June 4, 2026, a Mexican national with ties to the CJNG Cartel was sentenced for distributing fentanyl and other illicit drugs.

For more information about the dangers of illicit fentanyl and resources available to families and communities, visit the DEA’s fentanyl awareness webpage.

Contact the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) for help with treatment referral and information for individuals and families facing mental and/or substance use disorders at 1-800-662-HELP (4357) or visit the online treatment locator.

# # #