The Amount of Fentanyl Seized in Illinois and Wisconsin Has ‘Skyrocketed’
Fentanyl has been a recurring problem in America for many years, and it's always a hot topic on the news. That said, fentanyl seizures are reaching seriously concerning levels on the homefront, and new numbers released in Illinois and Wisconsin show "skyrocketing" figures.
New numbers shared by the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) and Chicago Field Division paint a crisis that is nowhere near under control, and bound to plague all states to some level for years to go. Updated data released Friday show more than 1.5 million fentanyl pills have been seized across Illinois, Indiana, and Wisconsin since the start of 2025.
READ MORE: FBI Arrests Eight in Illinois on Fentanyl Meth Charges
- In 2022, agents seized 64,700 fentanyl pills
- In 2023, that number jumped to 405,200
- In 2024, that number further climbed to 589,900
- In 2025, that number broke one million with 1.6 million (a 170% increase from 2024), per WGN
Keep in mind, we still have five-and-a-half-months left of 2025.
Numbers were also released in regards to feds seizures of cocaine, heroin, meth, and fentanyl in non-ill form. So far, in 2025, agents have seized 3,550 pounds of cocaine and 1,201 pounds of meth. Both absolutely obscene figures.
Meanwhile, heroin figures are up from 28 pounds in 2024 to 229 pounds and counting in 2025. Seizures of non-pill form fentanyl have brought in 395 pounds, up from 229 pounds in 2024.
Meanwhile, six individuals in Illinois were indicted on federal heroin, fentanyl, and cocaine charges just last week. Authorities say the six individuals conspired to distribute large quantities of drugs in 2024.
Who Was Indicted:
- Andre DeBruce, 40, of Schiller Park, IL
- Terrance Patton, 40, of Chicago – also charged with illegal gun possession
- Craig Caldwell, 43, of Chicago – facing two gun charges, including one tied to drug trafficking
- Timothy Belin, 48, of Chicago
- Jennifer Word, 39, of Chicago
- Denomoius Wells, 41, of Chicago
What They Face:
- Caldwell could face up to life in prison, with a mandatory minimum of five years.
- Patton and DeBruce each face up to 40 years, with a five-year minimum.
- Belin, Word, and Wells face up to 20 years with no mandatory minimum.
Read more about the ongoing fentanyl crackdowns in Illinois and Wisconsin on WGN's website.