Fentanyl most often smuggled by U.S. citizens, new report reveals

By

min read

ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. – Amidst political rhetoric blaming illegal immigrants for the U.S. drug crisis, a new report highlights a different reality: fentanyl is predominantly smuggled by U.S. citizens for U.S. citizens.

The Cato Institute, a public policy organization, analyzed data on fentanyl smuggling and trafficking using the Freedom of Information Act. Their findings show that in 2021, more than 86% of convicted fentanyl drug traffickers were U.S. citizens, which is ten times the rate of convictions for illegal immigrants.

Moreover, more than 90% of fentanyl seizures occur at legal crossing points or interior vehicle checkpoints, rather than along illegal migration routes. According to Cato, this is logical since ports of entry are 97% less likely to intercept hard drugs than those crossing illegally between ports. Additionally, only 0.02% of people arrested by Border Patrol for illegal crossings were found in possession of fentanyl.

“Reducing deaths requires figuring out the cause, not jumping to blame a group that is not responsible,” Cato wrote in its report. “Instead of attacking immigrants, policymakers should focus on effective solutions that help people at risk of a fentanyl overdose.”

Recent Headlines

  • DEA collects 620,000 pounds of medications during National Take Back Day

    May 8, 2025
    Angela Kennecke Avatar
  • 16 arrested in largest fentanyl bust in DEA history

    May 7, 2025
    Casey Wonnenberg-King Avatar
  • Two Lincoln men found guilty of trafficking thousands of fentanyl pills in Nebraska

    May 6, 2025
    Casey Wonnenberg-King Avatar