U.S. Attorney’s Office and the DEA Host Fentanyl Awareness and Prevention Summit

Press Release

In Recognition of National Crime Victims' Rights Week

MINNEAPOLIS - The United States Attorney's Office along with the Drug Enforcement Administration hosted a community conversation focused on fentanyl awareness and prevention.

Stakeholders from across the Twin Cities, including healthcare advocates, elected officials, outreach workers, community-based organizations, as well as families who have lost loved ones to fentanyl poisoning, convened today to raise awareness about the fentanyl epidemic. The summit included information on current regional drug trends, myths surrounding the fentanyl crisis, and action steps to intervene and help save lives during an overdose situation.

"The goal of this summit is to raise awareness, dispel myths, identify trends and, most importantly, discuss how we as a community can collectively turn the tide on fentanyl deaths in Minnesota," said United States Attorney Andrew Luger. "I am grateful to the addiction and recovery specialists, the outreach workers, and to the family members who have shared their expertise and their heartbreak. The work must continue. We owe it to our families, our friends, and our communities."

"The Drug Enforcement Administration is proud to partner with the U.S. Attorney's Office in an effort to amplify messaging about the dangers of fentanyl in our Minnesota communities," DEA Omaha Division Special Agent in Charge Steven T. Bell said. "Last year, DEA investigators seized approximately 2.5 million lethal doses of fentanyl in Minnesota. It's more important than ever that we talk with our loved ones about the consequences that can come from taking just one pill or experimentation with drugs."

Each year in April, the U.S. Attorney's Office recognizes National Crime Victims' Rights Week, which honors crime victims and those who serve them. This year's theme is "How would you help? Options, services, and hope for crime survivors."This theme underscores the importance of our individual and collective responsibilities to empower victims through relevant and impactful support services. It highlights the power of collaborative efforts to promote community safety and well-being. For more information please visit: https://ovc.ojp.gov/ncvrw2024/overview

Updated April 24, 2024