U.S. Attorney Dena J. King Joins State And Local Officials To Highlight Efforts To Combat The Fentanyl Epidemic

CHARLOTTE, N.C. - This morning, U.S. Attorney Dena J. King joined North Carolina Attorney General Josh Stein, local law enforcement officials and other partners to raise awareness about the fentanyl epidemic and highlight efforts to stem the flow of fentanyl and other dangerous drugs in our communities.

Speaking at a press conference held at the Mecklenburg County Detention Center in Charlotte, U.S. Attorney King said that federal prosecutors are focusing on disrupting and dismantling large trafficking organizations responsible for supplying the bulk of fentanyl distributed throughout the Western District of North Carolina, and holding accountable individuals who sell lethal substances like fentanyl, causing serious bodily injuries, drug poisonings, and overdose deaths. U.S. Attorney King emphasized the importance of working with government agencies, law enforcement, and organizations dedicated to the provision of services for substance use disorder prevention, treatment, and recovery to support communities across Western North Carolina.

"Families should not have to face this crisis alone," said U.S. Attorney King. "My Office is committed to supporting our communities and our law enforcement partners through this crisis and bringing to justice those responsible for poisoning our friends, our neighbors, and our loved ones. Together, we will fight against this epidemic to free our communities from its deadly grip and make funding available to support vital prevention, treatment, and recovery efforts."

"The fentanyl crisis is devastating our people, and we need everyone at the table working together to combat fentanyl trafficking," said North Carolina Attorney General Josh Stein. "I'm grateful to U.S. Attorney King and her office for their partnership in the Fentanyl Task Force and other efforts to hold drug traffickers accountable."

Fentanyl is a synthetic opioid that is 50 times more potent than heroin and remains the deadliest drug threat in the United States. Laboratory testing indicates 7 out of 10 pills seized by Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) contain a lethal dose of fentanyl. According to the DEA, in 2023, the agency seized more than 79.5 million fentanyl-laced fake pills and nearly 12,000 pounds of fentanyl powder. That's equivalent to more than 376.7 million lethal doses of fentanyl - enough to kill every American across the country. So far this year, the 2024 fentanyl seizures represent over 82.6 million deadly doses.

For information and resources related to substance use disorder, please call the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration helpline at 1-800-662-HELP (4357) or visit the online treatment locator.