The Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) St. Louis Division reported a record haul of fentanyl in 2021, indicative of the ongoing struggle with the trafficking of the drug.
According to a DEA news release, about 188 grams of the drug were seized during the year, more than in the previous two years combined. The DEA also noted that fentanyl is a synthetic opioid that is used as a painkiller. The trade in the drug has exploded, resulting in a spike in overdose deaths.
“With overdose deaths soaring nationwide, the DEA’s efforts to seize illegal drugs, the illegal proceeds, and the guns associated with these violent enterprises is more important than ever,” Special Agent in Charge Todd Zimmerman said in the DEA release. “The credit goes to our agents, task force officers, and the staff who support them. We’ll continue to do our part to prevent drug trafficking organizations from profiting from their criminal activities and causing harm in our communities.”
The DEA also reported that its agents and task force officers were able to take 1,848 kilograms of methamphetamine and 73 kilograms of heroin off the streets. The meth haul was the largest in the division’s history, according to the release.
The DEA also nabbed 347 weapons, according to the release.
The federal agency said it also was able to curb money laundering by drug dealers, preventing $15.8 million from reaching its destination.
