DEA - Drug Enforcement Administration
04/24/2024 | Press release | Distributed by Public on 04/25/2024 12:07
DEA and U.S. Attorney’s Office Partner to Promote Fentanyl Awareness in Edina, Minnesota
EDINA, Minn. -The U.S. Attorney's Office for the District of Minnesota in partnership with the Drug Enforcement Administration Omaha Division hosted a Fentanyl Awareness and Prevention Summit at the Edina Public Library earlier today in an effort to provide education to the community on the potentially lethal consequences of fentanyl use.
Approximately 100 members of the community attended the event as individuals representing law enforcement, the healthcare profession, outreach workers, community-based organizations and families who lost a loved one to fentanyl spoke about the impact of fentanyl on Minnesota communities.
"Last year, DEA investigators seized approximately 2.5 million lethal doses of fentanyl in Minnesota," DEA Omaha Division Special Agent in Charge Steven T. Bell said. "It's more important than ever that we talk with our loved ones about the consequences that can come from taking just one pill."
Assistant Special Agent in Charge Rafael Mattei of DEA's Minneapolis/St. Paul District Office moderated the Myths, Trends and Opportunities to Intervene panel, reminding the audience that a mere two milligrams of fentanyl, small enough to fit on the tip of a sharpened pencil, is enough to kill a person.
"It takes only a few salt-sized grains of fentanyl to devastate a family," Mattei said.
More information on the consequences of fentanyl use can be found at www.dea.gov/OnePill.