Midwest fentanyl powder seizures rise as pill seizures fall

In the United States Midwest, the composition of the fentanyl supply is shifting. Federal seizure data from the DEA’s Omaha Field Division indicates that while fentanyl pill seizures are declining, fentanyl powder seizures have increased by nearly 87% compared to the same period in 2025.

During the first seven months of 2026, authorities seized more than 67,000 fentanyl pills across Iowa, Minnesota, Nebraska, North Dakota, and South Dakota. The rise in powder seizures represents a significant change for a region where counterfeit pills have historically been the dominant form of the drug. Both forms present high risks: pills are often mislabeled to resemble prescription medication, while powder can be mixed into other substances with uneven dosing.