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Fentanyl Seizures at US-Mexico Border Plummet by Over Half

The Trump administration credits its tightened border policies with a 54% annual drop in fentanyl seizures

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Members of the U.S. military stand in front of the border wall along the U.S. and Mexico border near San Ysidro on March 21, 2025. The U.S. Border Patrol and members of the U.S. military held a press conference to address the strengthening of the U.S./Mexico border with new barriers and concertina wire to stop the flow of migrants from entering the U.S. (Genaro Molina/Los Angeles Times via Getty)
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Overview

  • Seizures at ports of entry fell 30% year-over-year and declined 54% in March 2025 compared to March 2024
  • Monthly fentanyl confiscations averaged 1,700 pounds in 2024 but dropped to 746 pounds so far in 2025
  • Reporting outlets describe the decline as puzzling and note it began before the newest border measures took effect
  • The DEA and analysts point to Sinaloa cartel infighting and shortages of precursor chemicals as additional causes
  • Border apprehensions also fell 95% from April 2024 to April 2025, raising questions about shifts in trafficking tactics