Fentanyl Overdose Deaths Decreased Following Scanner Use at Ports-of-Entry

Overdose deaths in the United States surged from 2018 to 2022 due to the smuggling of fentanyl through ports-of-entry. To combat this epidemic, the U.S. used advanced scanners at southern ports-of-entry, which tripled inspections and improved screening, especially since March 2023. Following March 2023, fentanyl domestic seizures decreased by 29% and fentanyl overdose deaths decreased by 35%. Fentanyl overdose deaths decreased in 90% of states and increased only in states that receive fentanyl through ports-of-entry that lack these scanners. If this decrease in overdose deaths continues until November 2025, the death rate would be lower than at the start of the opioid epidemic. These results support urgent funding for advanced scanners at ports-of-entry that lack them.