PRESS RELEASE

DEA Launches Project Wave Breaker to Stop Flood of Deadly Fentanyl

April 27, 2021
… Wave Breaker are credited with 85 percent of all synthetic opioids seized by the DEA in 2020.  They include: Phoenix, … recorded in a 12-month period.  Deaths involving synthetic opioids increased nearly 60 percent during the same 12-month …
April 27, 2021
DRUG FACT SHEET

Fake Prescription Pills

February 25, 2025
Drugs of Concern
Many fake pills are made to look like prescription opioids – such as oxycodone (Oxycontin®, Percocet®), hydrocodone (Vicodin®), and alprazolam (Xanax®); or stimulants like amphetamines (Adderall®) – but contain fentanyl or methamphetamine. Criminal drug networks are mass-producing fake pills and falsely marketing them as legitimate prescription pills to deceive the...
February 25, 2025
STORY

Albuquerque Employers Benefit from DEA Training and Resources Available Through Operation Engage

August 18, 2023
… can complete is about an hour. The four modules explain the opioid epidemic, the science of opioids, strategies and available treatments, and prevention …
August 18, 2023
PRESS RELEASE

Federal Judge Sentences “Pill Mill” Co-owner to Prison

March 22, 2021
… prescriptions for high doses of Oxycodone and other opioids in exchange for cash. According to court filings, … all available tools to stop those involved in fueling the opioid crisis. I commend the hard work and dedication of the …
March 22, 2021
PRESS RELEASE

Omnicare Inc. agrees to pay more than $15 million to resolve allegations it improperly dispensed narcotics at long-term care facilities

May 13, 2020
… allegations that it violated federal law by allowing opioids and other controlled substances to be dispensed … emergency basis. These emergency kits, which often include opioids and other controlled substances that are commonly … improperly permitting long-term care facilities to remove opioids and other controlled substances from emergency kits …
May 13, 2020
PRESS RELEASE

Lubbock Fentanyl Distributor Pleads Guilty

February 16, 2017
… in the Lubbock area of the highly potent synthetic opioid, fentanyl.  Fentanyl is responsible for a sharp increase in opioid deaths across the U.S.  It poses a high risk of death … fentanyl can serve as a direct substitute for heroin in opioid-dependent individuals, it is a dangerous substitute …
February 16, 2017
PRESS RELEASE

New Jersey Residents Turn In Almost 18,000 Pounds Of Expired And Unwanted Prescriptions

May 06, 2016
… medications from their homes, especially the prescription opioids.  Removal of these medications from the home reduces … die from a drug overdose, about half from prescription opioids and heroin.  Prescription opioid abusers in many …
May 06, 2016
PRESS RELEASE

Crisp County Residents Plead Guilty in Armed Meth Trafficking Case

September 18, 2024
… no parole in the federal system.   “Drug traffickers drive addiction and destroy communities,” Robert J. Murphy, … who illegally arm themselves and distribute the most highly addictive and dangerous drugs into our communities will face … for their crimes.”   “Methamphetamine is a highly addictive drug with devastating consequences to users, their …
September 18, 2024
PRESS RELEASE

Season 4 of Awkward Conversations Launches on YouTube

August 07, 2024
… of Clinical Social Work, Adolescent Substance Use and Addiction Program at Boston Children’s Hospital. Watch the  … Episode (Season 3, Episode 3). December 4: The Science of Addiction: Provides scientific insights into addiction and …
August 07, 2024
PRESS RELEASE

Leader of Prolific Fentanyl Trafficking Ring Sentenced

November 30, 2021
… driven by the enormous profits he could generate off the addiction and misery of others,” said U.S. Attorney Nick … the pills while seeking treatment for his own drug addictions at spa-like resorts in Costa Rica and Mexico, …
November 30, 2021
PRESS RELEASE

New York Man Pleads Guilty To Oxycodone Distribution Conspiracy And Failure To Appear In Court

August 23, 2016
… abuse of opiates; it is the gateway to heroin and fentanyl addiction, and is devastating our communities.  This … stated, “Many individuals begin their journey to opiate addiction through oxycodone use.  While these pills have a … medical use, the illicit distribution of these potentially addictive drugs has been a significant factor in the …
August 23, 2016
PRESS RELEASE

Loudoun County To Host DEA Exhibit

October 14, 2015
… and Consequences explains the science behind illegal drug addiction, and the countless costs and consequences of … programs that we have implemented to prevent drug abuse and addiction,” stated Karl C. Colder, Special Agent in Charge, … the dangers of illegal drug use and the damage caused by addiction. As parents, community leaders and employers, …
October 14, 2015
PRESS RELEASE

DEA announces launch of Operation Crystal Shield

February 20, 2020
… “For decades meth has been a leading cause of violence and addiction - a drug threat that has never gone away.  With a … By reducing the supply of meth we reduce the violence, addiction, and death it spreads.” Virtually all …
February 20, 2020
PRESS RELEASE

Long Island Man Pleads Guilty to Conspiring to Distribute, Distributing Fentanyl Causing Two Overdose Deaths

March 21, 2024
… in pushing deadly drugs and contributing to the alarming opioid epidemic that has continued to harm this District.” … overdose involving heroin. From 2013 to 2019, the synthetic opioid death rate increased by more than 1,000 percent. Of … those deaths, over 70% involved a prescription or illicit opioid. Among New York State residents, the number of …
March 21, 2024
PRESS RELEASE

DEA Washington Division Releases 2020 National Drug Threat Assessment for D.C., Maryland, and Virginia Communities

March 02, 2021
… pandemic, we remain committed to our work addressing the opioid and related overdose crises and supporting our … deaths across in the area. Although heroin and prescription opioid deaths have been decreasing steadily since 2017, … Division - Intelligence Products Fentanyl Methamphetamine Opioids Synthetic Opioids Heroin Cocaine On On …
March 02, 2021
PRESS RELEASE

Medical Director of Baltimore County Pain Management Clinic Sentenced for Conspiracy to Distribute and Dispense Oxycodone

January 24, 2023
… were often prescribed high doses of oxycodone, and other opioid medications.  Some patients were issued prescriptions for opioids after routinely providing aberrant urine toxicology …
January 24, 2023
PRESS RELEASE

DEA Releases annual National Drug Threat Assessment

March 02, 2021
… enactment of fentanyl-class controls in May 2019, the opioid threat remains at epidemic levels, affecting large … deaths in the United States, while heroin and prescription opioids remain significant challenges to public health and …
March 02, 2021
PRESS RELEASE

Boston Man Pleads Guilty to Distribution of Methamphetamine and Fentanyl

December 02, 2025
… our communities. This defendant chose to traffic in highly addictive and dangerous drugs and now will be held … before and the DEA stands committed to work to keep highly addictive drugs like fentanyl and methamphetamine out of the … and contributing to the loss of life for those battling addiction need to be held responsible for their actions. DEA …
December 02, 2025
PRESS RELEASE

Season 5 of Awkward Conversation Launches on YouTube Wednesday, September 24

September 22, 2025
… of Clinical Social Work, Adolescent Substance Use and Addiction Program at Boston Children’s Hospital. Together … flags and mentoring digital choices. Oct 1: The Science of Addiction  – How addiction changes the brain and why …
September 22, 2025
PRESS RELEASE

Ed Buck Sentenced to 30 Years in Federal Prison

April 14, 2022
… men – some of whom were homeless or struggling with drug addiction – to consume narcotics that he provided and … males who were vulnerable, isolated and were often fighting addiction,” said Kristi K. Johnson, the Assistant Director … exploited their circumstances, including homelessness and addiction, to indulge his sexual proclivities.  This …
April 14, 2022
PRESS RELEASE

Seattle Man Who Distributed Thousands of Fentanyl Pills in Whatcom County Sentenced to Six Years in Prison

January 05, 2024
… be held accountable for their conduct, whether driven by addiction or by greed – in this case it appears it was … work with our community partners to guide those affected by addiction to needed resources.” The other defendants in this … willing to personally profit from the distribution of an addictive and often deadly controlled substance.” This case …
January 05, 2024
PRESS RELEASE

2.5 Tons of Methamphetamine and 100,000 Fentanyl Pills Interdicted

February 05, 2021
… to flood American markets with these synthetic, highly addictive, and dangerous drugs.  DEA and our law enforcement … devastating our community while steadily increasing addictions and overdose deaths,” said HSI Special Agent in …
February 05, 2021
PRESS RELEASE

Feds Crack Down On Illegal Trafficking Of Oxycodone

May 13, 2011
… for the distribution of oxycodone, a powerful and addictive opium derivative. This case is a perfect example … abused prescription drugs, and it's also one of the most addictive and deadly drugs when not taken properly.  The … will continue to target those who traffic these addictive pain medications. This case was a success because …
May 13, 2011
PRESS RELEASE

DEA Reminds Parents to Speak to Their Children About the Dangers of Drug Use

September 01, 2021
… amount of overdose deaths ever in a 12-month period. Opioids accounted for more than 68,000 of those deaths. …
September 01, 2021
PRESS RELEASE

Former Mexican Police Officer Charged with Trafficking Enough Fentanyl to Kill 10 Million

July 26, 2019
… with intent to distribute fentanyl, a powerful synthetic opioid 50 times more potent than heroin.   He was allegedly … domestic.”   “Fentanyl is the number one threat causing our opioid epidemic in the United States,” said Clyde E. … after serving his sentence.   Overdoses involving synthetic opioids like fentanyl killed almost 32,000 Americans last …
July 26, 2019
PRESS RELEASE

Judge sentences ‘Doctors on the Go’ owner to 9 years in prison for fraud and receiving kickbacks

February 05, 2021
… felony counts of conspiracy, obtaining oxycodone and other opioid drugs by fraud and deceit, receiving illegal … others to issue and distribute illegal prescriptions for opioids and other controlled substances to patients. Mikhlin …
February 05, 2021
PRESS RELEASE

Former Amherst Pain Doctor Going to Prison for Illegal Prescribing and Defrauding Medicare

June 18, 2021
… doctor at the Hens Pain Center in Amherst, NY,  prescribed opioids to multiple patients outside the usual course of … practice and without a legitimate medical purpose. These opioids included hydrocodone, oxycodone, …
June 18, 2021
PRESS RELEASE

Indian National Sentenced for Conspiracy to Distribute Controlled Substances

February 08, 2025
… and distributing controlled substances, including the opioids Tapentadol and Tramadol, in connection with his … send multiple shipments of controlled substances, including opioids and misbranded drugs, into the United States. Mishra …
February 08, 2025
PRESS RELEASE

Two Suburban Chicago Physicians Sentenced to Federal Prison for Health Care Fraud

December 20, 2023
… have been sentenced to federal prison for prescribing opioids to individuals who lacked a legitimate medical need … and intentionally issue unauthorized prescriptions for opioids,” Assistant U.S. Attorney Brian Hayes argued in the …
December 20, 2023
PRESS RELEASE

Federal Court Shuts Down San Joaquin County Pharmacy and Orders $1 Million in Civil Penalties

November 14, 2023
… doubt. “As a pharmacy that fills prescriptions for opioids and other dangerous drugs, the defendants had an … and thereby failed in their responsibility to prevent the opioids from being diverted into illicit channels. This case …
November 14, 2023