Florida seizes two million doses of a dangerous synthetic drug

A crackdown by state authorities in northern Florida led to the and over two pounds (nearly one kilogram) of this synthetic powder drug, a quantity equivalent to two million potentially lethal doses.

The information was confirmed this Tuesday by James Uthmeier, the state's attorney general, who on the social media platform X attributed the operation to a year-long investigation by the Suwannee County Sheriff's Office, in collaboration with state agencies.

As a result, Ron Alexis Wilson, a resident of Arizona, and Johnon Christopher Hughes from Jacksonville have been arrested and are now facing charges of fentanyl trafficking and conspiracy to traffic.

During a press conference, Uthmeier linked the proliferation of fentanyl in Florida to the federal government's immigration policies.

Biden's border crisis has had lasting consequences across the country, and the fentanyl that crossed during his administration is still circulating in our communities,” the prosecutor stated.

The official described the drug as "a new form of warfare" and noted that "much of this dangerous fentanyl is coming from China."

"It is not falling from the sky or arriving by sea, but rather crossing the border and infiltrating every community in the country."

Uthmeier also acknowledged the collaborative work with local law enforcement and emphasized the role of the State Prosecutor’s Office in ensuring that the accused do not pose a new risk to citizens.

"Thanks to the work of our law enforcement partners, these traffickers are behind bars and our prosecutors are ready to ensure they do not threaten the lives of Floridians again," he said.

In the same event, Vaden Pollard, deputy commissioner of the Florida Department of Law Enforcement (FDLE), presented alarming figures: since the launch of the SAFE program (State Assistance for Fentanyl Eradication) in 2023, over 403 pounds of this substance and approximately 57,000 pills have been seized as part of 160 investigations.

According to official data from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), cited by the agency EFE, fentanyl was responsible for over 48,000 overdose deaths in the United States during the year 2024.

It is a synthetic drug that is easy to transport and highly addictive, often mixed with other substances, which increases its lethality.

President Donald Trump and Florida Governor Ron DeSantis have made the fight against fentanyl one of their political priorities, citing the responsibility of China and Mexico in its production and distribution, respectively.

Meanwhile, authorities in Florida warn that this crisis is not stopping. "Fentanyl remains one of the most serious threats to public health in our state," concluded Uthmeier.

In recent months, Florida has intensified its efforts to combat drug trafficking, with a particular focus on synthetic drugs such as fentanyl.

In March, the United States Coast Guard unloaded at the port of Miami over 12,400 pounds of illegal substances seized in the Caribbean, as a result of multiple naval operations coordinated with state and federal agencies.

This action was considered one of the most significant blows to drug trafficking in waters near the state.

Shortly thereafter, in April, the authorities of Collier County arrested a Cuban citizen with an extensive criminal record for possession of multiple types of drugs, including methamphetamines, heroin, cocaine, and fentanyl, raising concerns about the presence of these substances in local communities.

Authorities emphasized that this arrest was achieved thanks to interinstitutional collaboration and the increase in resources allocated to combat trafficking at the local level.

Frequently Asked Questions about Fentanyl Seizures in Florida