The Rocky Mountain Field Division of the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) is on track to set a new record for fentanyl seizures in the 2024 fiscal year, surpassing last year's figures.

"It is an unfortunate reality that seizures of fake fentanyl pills across our Division – Colorado, Utah, Wyoming and Montana – continue at unprecedented levels. Fentanyl poisonings are the leading cause of death for Americans 18 to 45 years of age. We need parents, grandparents, teachers, siblings, friends, and neighbors to join us in having the discussion on the deadly dangers of this poison being peddled by the cartels in our country," said David Olesky, DEA Rocky Mountain Field Division Acting Special Agent in Charge, in a May 31 news release.

According to the DEA's findings after lab testing, seven out of ten fentanyl pills contain a lethal dose—just two milligrams or a few granules of sugar. Across the Rocky Mountain region, offices in Colorado have seized almost 1.8 million pills so far this fiscal year; in Utah, agents have seized more than 600,000 fentanyl pills; in Wyoming, agents have seized nearly 4,000 fentanyl pills; and in Montana, more than 40,000 pills have been seized. The records for 2023 were as follows: in Colorado, 2.61 million pills; in Utah, 664,200 pills; in Wyoming, 23,700 pills; and in Montana, 106,500 pills.

"As we head into the summer and kids are out of school," Olesky added. "Let’s not fail to continue to educate our family and friends on the dangers of fentanyl. The more we talk about fentanyl, the better." He further stated: "At DEA, we’re fighting these cartels and the fentanyl crisis every day – now we need the rest of the country to join us in that fight. It is true that one pill can kill but it’s also true that one conversation can save."

The DEA Rocky Mountain Division encompasses all of Montana, Wyoming, Utah, and Colorado. There are twelve offices in Colorado; one office each in Utah and Wyoming; and three offices in Montana.