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The United States Drug Enforcement Agency had a remarkably two-week run in June when it seized over 170,000 fentanyl pills in Utah.
That number represents over 25 percent of the entire total of fentanyl seizures in Utah in 2023 per a press release.
Officials now expect the DEA in Utah to break a record for number of pill seizures in 2024.
“The number of fentanyl pills seized just last month proves the drug cartels primarily operating in Mexico are not slowing down production and distribution of this deadly poison. Every day, the men and women of DEA in Utah and across our Division – along with our partner agencies – are working around the clock to get fentanyl of the streets,” DEA RMFD Special Agent in Charge Jonathan Pullen said of the seizures. “Fentanyl pills and powder are out there, and the cartels targeting Utah do not care if you and the family are in summer vacation mode. DEA continues to urge you to discuss the lethal nature of fentanyl with family, friends and within your community.”
DEA Continues Impressive Run With Fentanyl Seizures In Utah
Pullen represents the Rocky Mountain Field Division, which oversees enforcement in Utah, Colorado, Wyoming and Montana. Last year, the RMFD seized a record 3.4 million fentanyl pills.
“The recent seizures totaling 170,000 fentanyl pills in Utah means more than likely, lives have been saved – from St. George to Logan, Moab to Wendover – and across the state,” Dustin Gillespie, Assistant Special Agent in Charge of DEA’s Salt Lake City District Office said of the run.
But that’s not all.
The bust continues an impressive run for the DEA. Just over two months ago, the department seized 10 million lethal doses of fentanyl in ‘Operation Hotline Bling.’
“As fentanyl and methamphetamine continue to ravage our communities, we will continue to target drug trafficking organizations that put profit over people’s lives,” United States Attorney Martin Estrada said at the time.