Texas authorities launch fentanyl awareness and law enforcement initiatives

Law enforcement and public safety agencies in Texas are intensifying efforts to combat fentanyl. The Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS) has launched an increased awareness campaign for Fentanyl Poisoning Awareness Month in October. This initiative, part of the ‘One Pill Kills’ campaign, utilizes social media to educate the public on the dangers of the drug and the use of opioid poisoning reversal medication.

In San Antonio, a new DEA-led Overdose Task Force has been established to investigate local fentanyl overdoses, identify suppliers, and address violence related to drug distribution. This task force includes the DEA, Texas DPS, San Antonio Police Department, Bexar County Sheriff’s Office, UT San Antonio Police Department, Homeland Security Investigations, and the FBI.

The local task force operates alongside the South Texas Homeland Security Task Force, which focuses on larger transnational criminal organizations and trafficking networks. The new local unit has already conducted its first operation targeting suspected fentanyl distribution in San Antonio.