Springfield, IL – The Illinois State Police are sounding the alarm as the U.S. overdose crisis continues to escalate, with more than 107,000 deaths reported nationwide in the past year. Officials say 68% of those deaths involved synthetic opioids, primarily fentanyl, which continues to drive record overdose fatalities across the country.
According to the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA), 2025 has already seen over 34 million fentanyl-laced pills and more than 7,000 pounds of fentanyl powder seized nationwide. The DEA reports these seizures represent the equivalent of over 262 million potentially lethal doses—a reminder that even 2 milligrams of fentanyl, the amount that fits on the tip of a pencil, can be deadly.
The DEA’s One Pill Can Kill campaign warns that counterfeit pills—often disguised as legitimate medications like Xanax or Oxycodone—are flooding communities. Authorities emphasize that visual inspection alone cannot determine if a pill is safe, urging residents to only take prescriptions dispensed by licensed pharmacists.
Officials also encourage the public to learn about naloxone (Narcan), a medication that can rapidly reverse an opioid overdose and save lives when administered quickly.
For more information and safety resources for families, visit www.dea.gov/onepill.
This article was produced by a journalist and may include AI-assisted input. All content is reviewed for accuracy and fairness.
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