DEA Seized 47 Million Fentanyl-Laced Counterfeit Pills In 2025

Authored by Naveen Athrappully via The Epoch Times,

The U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) confiscated more than 47 million fentanyl-laced counterfeit pills and almost 10,000 pounds of fentanyl powder in 2025.

Just two milligrams of fentanyl is considered a lethal dose. Courtesy of the DEA

The seized narcotics are equivalent to 369 million lethal doses of fentanyl, according to an announcement made by the Department of Justice (DOJ) in an Aug. 21 post on X as part of the National Fentanyl Prevention and Awareness Day. So far this year, the total fentanyl seized by the DEA represents more than 239 million deadly doses.

"Just 2 milligrams - smaller than a grain of salt - can kill. This Justice Department is committed to combating the fentanyl crisis and keeping Americans and our communities safe," the post said.

In an Aug. 21 statement, the DEA asked the public to remain aware of the threat fentanyl poses to American communities, highlighting that the synthetic opioid is around 100 times more potent than morphine and about 50 times more potent than heroin.

Mexican cartels CJNG and Sinaloa Cartel are pressing fentanyl into counterfeit pills with a similar appearance to prescription medications such as Xanax, oxycodone, and Percocet. The criminal groups are also mixing fentanyl with cocaine, methamphetamine, and heroin. Both Sinaloa Cartel and CJNG were designated Foreign Terrorist Organizations last year.

According to the DEA, many peop