The Battle At Our Borders: How Much Fentanyl Agents Stop Each Month

US Border Agents Work Around The Clock To Stop Deadly Drugs:

US border agents seize hundreds of pounds of fentanyl every month, with recent data showing 1,148 pounds captured in December 2024 and about 970 pounds in July 2025. 

These numbers show how much of this dangerous drug tries to cross into America each month. Just 2 milligrams of fentanyl – about the size of a few grains of sand – can cause an overdose, which makes every seizure important for saving lives.

Most fentanyl comes from Mexico, with 97.2% of all border seizures happening at the southern border. 

This means border agents in states like Texas, Arizona, and California see the most drug smuggling attempts. Only 0.2% of fentanyl seizures happen at the Canadian border, showing where the real problem lies.

Border Agents Use Special Teams To Fight Fentanyl:

Customs and Border Protection works with other agencies in special "jump teams" that focus on stopping fentanyl. In just four months, one operation called Operation Artemis led to over 900 seizures, including over 13,000 pounds of chemicals used to make fentanyl. 

These teams move quickly between different border areas to catch smugglers who try to change their routes.

Border technology helps agents find hidden drugs. They use X-ray machines, drug-sniffing dogs, and other tools to check cars, trucks, and people crossing the border. Even with all this equipment, smugglers keep trying new ways to hide fentanyl.

The Numbers Tell A Scary Story:

In 2024, the Drug Enforcement Administration seized more than 60 million fake pills with fentanyl and nearly 8,000 pounds of fentanyl powder. 

These seizures equal more than 380 million deadly doses. This shows how much fentanyl is out there and how dangerous it could be if it reached communities.

Fentanyl and other similar drugs caused 69% of fatal drug overdoses in the US in 2023. This makes stopping fentanyl at the border one of the most important jobs for keeping Americans safe. 

Every pound stopped means fewer chances for overdoses in towns and cities across the country.

Border Security Teams Never Give Up The Fight:

The fight against fentanyl continues every day. Border agents know their work saves lives, even when they cannot stop every smuggling attempt. 

They keep improving their methods and working with other law enforcement agencies to stay ahead of drug traffickers. 

While the monthly seizure numbers show progress, they also remind us that this dangerous drug keeps trying to enter our communities.