Addressing the fentanyl crisis

May 7 is National Fentanyl Awareness Day. Fentanyl is a very strong opioid that is having a devastating effect on communities across the nation.

King County is taking action to keep drugs off our streets, stop the surge of fentanyl and expand access to behavioral health care.

In 2023, King County Sheriff’s Office detectives and partner agencies seized: 260 pounds of fentanyl powder and pills, 159 pounds of meth, 48 pounds of heroin, 23 pounds of cocaine and more. In total, we removed $12.6 million worth of drugs from our community last year.

And in two recent narcotics operations, the Sheriff’s Office and Shoreline Police Department seized more than 250,000 M-30 fentanyl pills, 64 pounds of fentanyl powder and 2 pounds of fentanyl laced cocaine.

We also recently announced a new multi-part strategy to address the fentanyl crisis, including expanded residential treatment, new mobile crisis outreach teams, a permanent sobering center location and increased distribution of naloxone. Read more in the Seattle Times.

Resources & Support

• Carry naloxone and learn how to use it in case of an opioid overdose. Visit stopoverdose.org for more information.
• Reach out for help. There are many resources available to reduce the harms associated with substance use, get treatment and support loved ones. Call or text the Washington Recovery Help Line at 866–789–1511 for 24-hour confidential support and resources. You can also visit kingcounty.gov/overdose for more information.