Twice as much fentanyl seized last year than previous two years, DEA in St. Louis says

Investigators seized more fentanyl across Missouri, Kansas and southern Illinois in 2021 alone than over the last two years, according to a report by the St. Louis Drug Enforcement Agency.

About 188 kilograms of fentanyl were seized by investigators in 2021. That’s more than double the 82 kilograms confiscated in 2020 and an 80% increase from the 104 kilograms taken off the street in 2019. The record indicates an uptick in the buying and selling of fentanyl within the region.

The drug is more than 100 times stronger than morphine and 50 times stronger than heroin. And while the synthetic opioid can be prescribed legally for pain relief, in recent years it has emerged in illegal trafficking networks across the country and is considered a leading cause in drug overdoses.

The number of Missourians overdosing on synthetic opioids, like fentanyl, increased during the pandemic by 40% between the 12-month period ending in February 2020 and the same period ending in February 2021, according to recent data from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. The agency’s report indicates the increase is being driven by a rise in illegally produced fentanyl.

In February 2021, Kansas City police announced the number of teens dying from pills laced with fentanyl was increasing.

In 2019, fentanyl was linked to more deaths than any other illegally-used drug, according to a Drug Enforcement Agency report.

“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,” said Todd Zimmerman, a special agent with the agency.

Agents confiscated 1,848 kilograms of methamphetamine, the most in the division’s history, Zimmerman said in the report.

About $15.8 million were stopped from reaching drug trafficking organizations.

Investigators also seized 347 weapons, according to 2021 statistics released by the St. Louis division.