AG Mayes Warns of Deadly Fentanyl Crisis On National Fentanyl Awareness Day

As new data shows the devastating severity of the opioid crisis, Arizona Attorney General Kris Mayes dedicated National Fentanyl Prevention & Awareness Day to bring attention to what has become the state's most urgent public health concern.

Mayes Takes Strong Stance Against Drug Traffickers

Speaking about her office's ongoing efforts, Kris Mayes emphasized her commitment to holding criminals accountable for bringing deadly substances into Arizona communities.

"On National Fentanyl Prevention & Awareness Day, we honor those lost to illegally made fentanyl and raise awareness of this deadly drug. Combating the fentanyl crisis remains a top priority for my office," Mayes stated.

The Attorney General emphasized the active prosecution record of her office, pointing out that they have successfully prosecuted a large number of drug traffickers and dealers.

"Prosecuted many illicit drug and fentanyl traffickers. Our message is clear: those who transport deadly drugs into our communities will be held accountable," Mayes emphasized.

Arizona Faces Unprecedented Drug Crisis

According to state health data, the synthetic opioid has passed methamphetamine as the most fatal substance in Arizona. Fentanyl deaths have increased by 4,900 percent since 2015, suggesting that the epidemic has reached catastrophic levels, as informed by the Opioid Overdose Surveillance Report.

According to Maricopa County, more than three people lose their lives to fentanyl every single day on average. The drug now accounts for 60 percent of all drug-related fatalities across the state, making it a public health emergency of unprecedented scale.

Statewide Impact and Demographics

Arizona recorded 1,928 opioid overdose deaths in 2023, resulting in a fatality rate of 25.6 deaths per 100,000 residents.

The crisis is also placing an enormous strain on Arizona's healthcare system. Hospital visits related to opioids generated approximately $2.5 billion in total medical charges during 2023 alone. Emergency departments and hospitals across the state handled nearly 54,000 visits involving opioids last year.

Healthcare workers report that fentanyl was involved in nearly three-quarters of all non-fatal overdose cases, with many patients suffering from dangerous drug combinations. The most common deadly mix involves fentanyl combined with methamphetamine or amphetamines.

Continued Fight

The Attorney General made clear that her office won't let up in its battle against those profiting from addiction and death.

"We will continue to aggressively combat the spread of dangerous drugs and raise awareness to protect Arizonans. Fentanyl is devastating our communities, and those who attempt to profit from this deadly drug will be brought to justice," Mayes stated.