ARIZONA NEWS

Maricopa County Attorney emphasizes that the fentanyl crisis in Arizona remains prevalent

May 7, 2024, 2:00 PM

PHOENIX — Despite advancements in fentanyl education, Arizona still grapples with a significant issue, as noted by Maricopa County Attorney Rachel Mitchell on Fentanyl Awareness Day.

“I know that we’re getting the word out, you know, we’re seeing the needle move in terms of education, we’re keeping that up,” Mitchell told KTAR News 92.3 FM’s Arizona’s Morning News show on Tuesday. “But as far as the amount of fentanyl just pouring over the border, it’s just incredible how much is coming over.”

In addition to a surge in the influx of fentanyl entering the state, 2023 saw a record number of prosecutions related to the synthetic opioid with over 7,800 submittals, a nearly 20% increase from the year prior.

As of April, over 2,200 fentanyl cases have been filed, prompting the county attorney’s office to anticipate surpassing last year’s figures.

“Fentanyl is very cheap, extremely addictive and it’s tearing families and communities apart,” Mitchell said in a press release. “Teens today are buying pills they don’t know are fake and that contain lethal doses of this poison. If one conversation can save a life, it’s all worth doing.”

Here’s why the issue is still so prevalent

A problem persists, with over half of the total fentanyl pills entering the country in the past few years originating from the Arizona border.

The synthetic drug is causing at least three deaths daily in Maricopa County and five statewide, according to Mitchell and Attorney General Kris Mayes.

Mitchell also emphasized that fentanyl, as numbers continue to rise, is the primary drug concern the county is facing.

“Just a few years ago, if you had a dealer that had a few hundred pills that was a mid-level dealer. Now that’s nothing. We’re seeing people come over the border with 1 million pills, 800,000 pills,” Mitchell said.

“The amounts are just through the roof, and … fentanyl drives other criminal behavior — either violence or property crimes to support the habit — and it’s so easy to get.”

Last year, over 40 million fentanyl pills and over 380 pounds of fentanyl powder were confiscated in Arizona by the Drug Enforcement Administration and federal, state and local partners, potentially saving over 30 million lives.

During that same time frame across the country, the DEA reported confiscating over 77 million fentanyl pills and nearly 12,000 pounds of fentanyl powder, totaling 386 million deadly doses. The quantity was enough to potentially kill every American.

We want to hear from you.

Have a story idea or tip? Pass it along to the KTAR News team here.

Comments

Comment guidelines: No name-calling, personal attacks, profanity, or insults. Please keep the conversation civil and help us moderate comments by reporting abuse.
comments powered by Disqus

Arizona News

A crash involving a truck carrying oxygen created a hazmat situation in Glendale....

Kevin Stone

Crash involving truck carrying oxygen creates hazmat situation in Glendale

A multivehicle crash involving a truck carrying oxygen created a hazmat situation in Glendale on Wednesday morning.

3 minutes ago

What happened before man found dead by suicide in Mesa?...

Serena O'Sullivan

Suspect in fatal shooting found dead by apparent suicide in Mesa, police say

A Mesa man accused of fatally shooting a man in his 30s in a domestic violence incident on Tuesday was found dead by suicide, police said.

1 hour ago

Karrin Taylor Robson...

Kevin Stone

Karrin Taylor Robson announces 2nd run for governor of Arizona

Karrin Taylor Robson, who unsuccessfully ran for governor of Arizona in 2022, announced Wednesday she is running again in 2026.

3 hours ago

Phoenix police officers shot and killed a suspect near Williams Field and and Higley roads in Gilbe...

KTAR.com

Man killed, woman wounded in overnight shooting involving Phoenix police officers in Gilbert

A man was killed and a woman was injured in an overnight shooting involving Phoenix Police Department officers in Gilbert, authorities said Wednesday.

4 hours ago

A Scottsdale estate with a Jordan shoe display and a full basketball gym was listed for $23.5 milli...

Kevin Stone

Furnished Scottsdale estate with basketball gym, Jordan sneaker display listed for $23.5M

A basketball lover’s dream home is on the market in north Scottsdale, but you better have plenty of space under your salary cap if you want to buy it.

5 hours ago

Follow @suelenrivera...

Sponsored Content by Bright Wealth Management

How updating your estate plan is crucial in saving money

As you map out your estate plan, mapping out beneficiaries and keeping it up to date is key in order for the most funds possible to be passed down with ease.

Sponsored Articles

...

Collins Comfort Masters

Collins Comfort Masters: Your go-to plumbing experts in Arizona

Collins Comfort Masters, a trusted name in HVAC, water and plumbing since 1985, is you go-to plumbers for the residents of Phoenix and the Valley.

...

Bright Wealth Management

How to save money on retirement planning following 2024 election

PHOENIX -- With the 2024 election over, economic changes could impact how people plan for retirement as 2025 is on the horizon.

...

Sanderson Ford

Sanderson Ford’s Operation Santa Claus: Spreading holiday cheer through pickleball

Phoenix, AZ – Sanderson Ford, a staple in the Arizona community, is once again gearing up for its annual Operation Santa Claus charity drive.

Maricopa County Attorney emphasizes that the fentanyl crisis in Arizona remains prevalent