Record drug seizures in Rocky Mountain states linked to Mexican cartels; fentanyl deaths fell despite rising arrests.

The DEA reported record drug seizures in Colorado, Utah, Montana, and Wyoming in 2025, including over 8.7 million fentanyl pills and nearly 3,100 pounds of methamphetamine, driven by two major Mexican cartels. Fentanyl seizures in Wyoming surged 264%, with traffickers using urban hubs to distribute drugs to rural areas via trucks, drivers, and mail. Despite rising arrests for meth and other drugs, fentanyl-related arrests dropped, and overdose deaths declined, possibly due to supply disruptions. The DEA continues efforts to disrupt trafficking networks and promote community education to combat the spread of synthetic opioids and emerging drugs.