The Drug Enforcement Administration's (DEA) Rocky Mountain Field Division has reported an explosion in the seizure of fentanyl pills in 2023, surpassing previous years. This alarming trend demands immediate action to protect Coloradans from the dangers of this deadly drug.

The DEA's Rocky Mountain Field Division provided the following breakdown of fentanyl seizures in their region:

• Colorado: 425.60 kilograms of fentanyl seized, equivalent to approximately 2.61 million pills.

• Utah: 119.30 kilograms of fentanyl seized, equivalent to approximately 664,200 pills.

"Fentanyl continues to be the deadliest drug threat facing our nation," stated David Olesky, Acting Special Agent in Charge for DEA's Rocky Mountain Field Division.

Olesky emphasized the collaborative efforts of federal, state, and local partners in preventing over 3.4 million fentanyl pills from reaching communities in 2023. While the significant increase in fentanyl seizures showcases the exceptional work of law enforcement, it also highlights the relentless efforts of cartels to flood our nation with this poison.

He affirmed the DEA's commitment to targeting the cartels responsible for trafficking fentanyl and raising public awareness about its dangers.

Disturbingly, the DEA highlighted that fentanyl has become the leading cause of death for Americans aged 18 to 45. This crisis demands urgent action to protect our communities and save lives.

Just last month, federal officials made a significant arrest at the Nogales border crossing in Arizona.

Two Mexican drivers were apprehended when a commercial bus they were driving was found to be carrying nearly 483 pounds of fentanyl. The arrest occurred on January 27th at the Dennis DeConcini port of entry after US Customs and Border Protection officers referred the bus, traveling from Mexico to Colorado, to a secondary inspection area.

A canine officer alerted officers to anomalies in the rear wheel well, leading to the discovery of 92 packages weighing 219.2 kilos, containing small blue pills that tested positive for fentanyl. Further inspection revealed a plastic bag concealed in the driver's dashboard, containing $11,010 in cash.

This incident serves as a stark reminder of the urgent need for stronger border security measures. The smuggling of such a massive quantity of fentanyl into our country demonstrates the audacity of drug cartels and their disregard for American lives.

Strengthening border security is vital to intercepting and preventing the flow of dangerous drugs like fentanyl into our communities.

READ MORE:

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• DEATHS OF PEOPLE WHO ARE HOMELESS IN DENVER SURGE 50% SINCE LAST YEAR

• COLORADO’S NEW FENTANYL LAW ISN’T EFFECTIVE

• COLORADO’S RISING FENTANYL CRISIS SPARKS STATEWIDE EDUCATIONAL CAMPAIGN

Additionally, this crisis underscores the necessity for enhanced legislation to combat the fentanyl epidemic. Stricter laws targeting drug trafficking and imposing severe penalties on those involved are crucial in deterring criminals and safeguarding our citizens.

The fentanyl crisis in Colorado and across the nation requires immediate and decisive action. We must prioritize stronger border security measures and enact tougher laws to protect our communities from this deadly drug. Lives are at stake, and it is our responsibility to ensure the safety and well-being of all Coloradans.