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The seizure of fentanyl in the United States increased by 25% year-on-year and reached a record level in the first 200 days of Donald Trump's administration, reported on Saturday the director of the Federal Bureau of Investigations (FBI), Kash Patel.
According to data released by the agency EFE, Patel specified that since the president took office on January 20, 1,500 kilograms of this synthetic drug have been seized, an amount equivalent to enough lethal doses to end the lives of over 113.8 million people.
Seizures to date have increased by 25% compared to the same period last year, more than ever before. We look forward to working with our partners, Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth and the Department of Defense to achieve even more,” Patel stated on social media, thanking Trump for “the new authorities” that have been granted to him.
The announcement comes one day after the president publicly defended sending troops against drug trafficking cartels in Latin America, a measure that, according to The New York Times –cited by EFE– would be backed by a secret order already signed for the Pentagon to use military force against these organizations.
Patel did not detail how the cooperation with the Department of Defense will be, but he emphasized that, in addition to the seizures, more than 1,600 people have been arrested for “violent crimes against children,” including 270 arrests for human trafficking.
Trump has repeatedly blamed the cartels, especially those in Mexico, for the overdose crisis in the United States.
In 2024, the last year of Joe Biden's presidency, there were 80,400 overdose deaths, a 27% decrease from the previous year and the lowest level since 2019, noted EFE.
Frequently Asked Questions about the Increase in Fentanyl Seizures in the U.S.
What has been the increase in fentanyl seizures in the U.S.?
The seizure of fentanyl in the United States increased by 25% year-on-year in the first 200 days of Donald Trump's presidency, reaching a record level of 1,500 kilograms confiscated.
What measures has the Trump administration taken against drug cartels?
President Trump has defended the deployment of troops against drug cartels in Latin America and has authorized the Pentagon to use the military to combat these organizations. He has also imposed tariffs on Mexico and China for their role in the production and distribution of fentanyl.
How has fentanyl trafficking affected public health in the U.S.?
Fentanyl was responsible for over 48,000 overdose deaths in the United States during the year 2024. This synthetic drug is highly addictive and frequently mixed with other substances, increasing its lethality.
What actions are being taken in Florida against fentanyl?
The authorities in Florida have intensified their efforts to combat drug trafficking, seizing large quantities of fentanyl and arresting traffickers. The SAFE program has resulted in the seizure of over 403 pounds of fentanyl since 2023, as part of 160 investigations.
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