U.S Drug Enforcement Administration Official speaking on Opioid Epidemic: It is the deadliest drug threat that our country has ever faced

(Fargo, ND) -- The U.S Drug Enforcement Administration is sharing more information regarding the trafficking of drugs in communities across the nation and within North Dakota. 

A representative with the Omaha Division of the U.S Drug Enforcement Administration spoke to WDAY Radio about a report speaking on a nationwide effort to crack down on drug smugglers delivering illicit substances to their buyers and the general public. One of the key revelations in the past ten years has been the understanding that cartels are moving their product to online spaces.

"We are seeing a lot of drugs being moved through social media, " said Emily Murray, a Public Information Officer with the Drug Enforcement Administration, "If you look at how people are conducting business these days, more people are purchasing things through online apps. Cartels are going to see that and they are going to build on that - they are going to capitalize on that to the best of their ability."

Murray says Operation Last Mile has landed 87 arrests and seized 60 firearms from the Mexican-based Sinaloa and Jalisco Cartels in the Omaha Division; or in states like Iowa, Minnesota, Nebraska, North Dakota, and South Dakota. Nationally, 3,337 arrests and the seizure of 44 million fentanyl pills, more than 6,500 pounds of fentanyl powder, 91,000 pounds of methamphetamine, 8,497 firearms, and more than $100 million dollars. 

You can read our full report on Operation Last Mile by clicking here.