The study found a significant increase in the seizures of fentanyl-containing pills by U.S. law enforcement from 2017 to 2023, with the number of pills seized being 2,300 times greater in 2023. The proportion of fentanyl pills seized relative to total fentanyl seizures also quadrupled during this period. Additionally, seizures of fentanyl in powder form increased by 923%. The rise in illicit fentanyl comes as the U.S. battles the opioid crisis, with a significant number of overdose deaths attributed to synthetic opioids. Researchers urge prevention efforts to stop people from initiating fentanyl use, especially as it is now primarily found in pill form.
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More than 115 million pills with illicit fentanyl seized in 2023
