WASHINGTON – For the first time since 2021, the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) is reporting a decrease in the potency of fentanyl pills. New DEA laboratory testing reveals that in 2024, five out of ten pills contained a potentially deadly dose of fentanyl, compared to seven out of ten in 2023 and six out of ten in 2022.
“Decreases in drug related deaths and the lethality of pills equals lives saved. The 14.5% decrease in poisonings and overdose deaths translates to more than 14,000 American lives saved,” said DEA Administrator Anne Milgram.
Milgram made the announcement at the National Family Summit on Fentanyl, attended by Emily’s Hope founder Angela Kennecke. Kennecke joined Milgram, Attorney General Merrick Garland, and other families who have lost loved ones to fentanyl to discuss ongoing efforts to combat the crisis.
“We must continue to work together to save lives and bring attention to the devastating impact of fentanyl,” said Kennecke.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recently reported a significant decline in opioid overdose deaths. Approximately 70,655 opioid-related deaths, including those linked to fentanyl, were estimated for the year ending in June 2024—an 18% drop from the previous year and the lowest number since 2020.
While the drop in potency and deaths offers a glimmer of hope, experts caution that fentanyl pills remain extremely dangerous and continue to pose a serious threat nationwide.
“Our work is far from over and DEA remains focused on destroying the criminal networks – the Sinaloa and Jalisco cartels – responsible for poisoning Americans,” said Milgram.