PHILADELPHIA, PA — Pennsylvania Attorney General Dave Sunday announced Thursday that law enforcement efforts across the state have resulted in a record-breaking 50 million doses of fentanyl seized so far in 2025 — a surge authorities say reflects both the growing threat of the deadly drug and the intensity of enforcement operations targeting traffickers.
The Office of Attorney General’s Bureau of Narcotics Investigation reported the seizures through September, the result of ongoing investigations that also uncovered firearms and other illegal drugs. The bulk of the fentanyl was seized in the Philadelphia and Pittsburgh regions, where Sunday joined local officials this week to highlight the statewide crackdown.
“We are not claiming victory with this record number of fentanyl seizures — we are sending a message to the predatory dealers perpetrating this flow of deadly fentanyl into our communities,” Sunday said. “That message is: your days are numbered.”
Nearly 27 million doses were confiscated in the greater Philadelphia area, which officials identified as a key source for drug distribution across Pennsylvania and into neighboring states including New Jersey, Delaware, and Maryland. Another 18 million doses were seized in the Pittsburgh region.
While the majority of the operations took place in major cities, rural counties have also seen significant enforcement actions. In September, investigators charged Melissa Woodling after seizing more than 200 grams — over 100,000 doses — of fentanyl in Blair and Clearfield counties.
In total, more than 220 pounds of fentanyl have been taken off Pennsylvania streets this year. Authorities say the synthetic opioid, up to 50 times more potent than heroin, has become the primary drug driving overdose deaths statewide. As little as 2 milligrams — an amount smaller than a few grains of salt — can be fatal.
Sunday credited law enforcement agencies and officers statewide for their continued vigilance in the face of what he called a public health and safety crisis.
“I want to thank all of our partners who will not relent in this fight, and I applaud the police officers on the streets every day making vehicle stops and serving warrants as part of this collaborative mission,” Sunday said. “Those officers are encountering dangerous individuals with unknown intentions — to those officers, I say, your sacrifices do not go unnoticed.”
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