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Attorney General Moody announces 12% decline in fentanyl caused deaths in annual report

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Published  January 9, 2025 2:00pm EST
Florida
FOX 35 Orlando

Attorney General makes announcement about Florida’s fentanyl crisis

Attorney General Ashley Moody makes an announcement regarding Florida’s fight to end the fentanyl crisis. Latest statistics shared.

The Brief

    • Attorney General Ashley Moody shared that there has been a significant decline in opioid-related deaths in Florida during a press conference Thursday.
    • There was a 12% decrease in fentanyl-related deaths and a 10% decrease in total opioid-related deaths in 2023, equating to 777 fewer deaths statewide.

ORLANDO, Fla. - Attorney General Ashley Moody held a press conference Thursday morning to provide updates on the Florida fentanyl crisis.

Moody shared that there has been a significant decline in opioid-related deaths in Florida, attributed to various efforts by law enforcement, policy changes, and community initiatives. 

Key highlights include:

Statewide Progress:

  • A 12% decrease in fentanyl-related deaths and a 10% decrease in total opioid-related deaths in 2023, equating to 777 fewer deaths statewide.
  • Provisional CDC data shows a 17% decline in overdose-related deaths in Florida.

Regional Success:

  • The Leesburg Medical District, including Lake, Hernando, Marion, Sumter, and Citrus counties, achieved a 40% decrease in overdose deaths, with 133 fewer deaths.

Law Enforcement Efforts:

  • The SAFE (Safe Assistance for Fentanyl Eradication) grants provided $20 million to local law enforcement for overtime, equipment, and targeted operations against drug trafficking.
  • Since late 2023, over 1,100 arrests have been made, and 290 pounds of fentanyl seized—enough to kill Florida's population three times over.

Focus on Addiction Treatment:

Policy Initiatives:

  • Proposed legislation targets transnational criminal organizations involved in drug trafficking, aiming to classify fentanyl as a weapon of mass destruction and criminal organizations as terrorist groups.
  • Increased penalties and streamlined prosecutions for traffickers and gang members.

The Source: The information in this article came from a press conference held by State Attorney General Ashley Moody. 

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