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DeSantis Says Fight Against Fentanyl Has Led to 2,100 Arrests, over 63,000 Pills Seized
The State Assistance for Fentanyl Eradication program has supported 200 investigations, leading to significant drug seizures and arrests, helping reduce opioid-related deaths, officials said.
- On September 2, 2025, Florida Governor Ron DeSantis held a press event in Orlando to share updates on the progress and outcomes of the state's initiative aimed at combating fentanyl distribution.
- The SAFE program, established by the Florida Legislature in 2023, provides funding to law enforcement for fentanyl investigations and related drug operations.
- Since its inception, the program has backed close to 200 investigations leading to 2,100 arrests and the confiscation of substantial quantities of narcotics, including nearly 485 pounds of fentanyl alongside more than 63,000 fentanyl tablets, approximately 545 pounds of cocaine, and upwards of 300 pounds of methamphetamine.
- DeSantis said the seized fentanyl could kill one-third of the U.S. population, called the results "really, really encouraging," and stated $7.7 million has been spent so far, with $8.5 million allocated for 2025 but more funding needed to maintain momentum.
- The program has contributed to an 11% decrease in opioid deaths in 2023 compared to 2022, and officials, including Seminole County Sheriff Lemma, underscore ongoing cartel threats and efforts to hold drug dealers accountable under updated state laws.
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DeSantis, Worrell trade barbs over fentanyl trafficking prosecutions
Orange-Osceola State Attorney Monique Worrell on Tuesday said her office has been “aggressively” prosecuting accused drug traffickers since she returned to office in January, a comment she made hours after the governor accused her of having a “liberal approach” to combating the opioid epidemic. At a press conference, Worrell said her prosecutors handled approximately 100 drug trafficking cases so far in 2025 that resulted in prison sentences. Tw…
Ron DeSantis Announces Record-High Seizures of Fentanyl by State’s SAFE Program
Florida Governor Ron DeSantis announced the State Assistance for Fentanyl Eradication (SAFE) grant program, which provides more resources for law enforcement, increases takedowns of traffickers, and leads to record seizures of fentanyl. “It was great to be in Orlando this morning to highlight the result that the SAFE program has delivered throughout Florida. Two years […] The post Ron DeSantis Announces Record-High Seizures of Fentanyl by State’…
Gov. DeSantis says state program fighting fentanyl led to 2,100 arrests
Gov. Ron DeSantis is highlighting the state’s fight against fentanyl as he announced that a new program has led to nearly 2,100 arrests and seized enough drugs to kill one-third of the U.S. population. “These results have saved the lives of many Floridians,” DeSantis said during a press conference as he touted 200 drug investigations that removed 485 pounds of fentanyl and 63,000 fentanyl pills from the streets. In 2023, Florida established the…
Florida Gov. DeSantis' SAFE Program Leads To Record Fentanyl Seizures
State’s SAFE program nets thousands of arrests, hundreds of pounds of deadly drugs, and millions in cash. Governor Ron DeSantis announced today that the State Assistance for Fentanyl Eradication (SAFE) grant program has resulted in record seizures of fentanyl and other illicit drugs across Florida. The governor highlighted the program’s success in boosting resources for […] Florida Gov. DeSantis’ SAFE Program Leads To Record Fentanyl Seizures
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