MITCHELL, SD (Mitchell Now) — The regional division of the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) has launched Fentanyl Free America, a campaign aimed at reducing the flow of fentanyl into communities across the Upper Midwest.

Arrest and seizure records indicate the effort is already producing results. According to Assistant Special Agent in Charge Travis Ocken of the DEA’s Omaha Field Office, the initiative is part of a broader federal focus on dismantling drug cartels responsible for trafficking multiple controlled substances.

“They don’t only produce and smuggle into this country fentanyl, but also methamphetamine, cocaine, heroin and other controlled substances,” Ocken said. “So yes, our focus is very much toward fentanyl because it is the deadliest drug threat in this country.”

Since the campaign launched in October, DEA officials report the seizure of nearly 25,000 fentanyl pills and 37 pounds of fentanyl powder across South Dakota, North Dakota, Iowa, Minnesota and Nebraska.

The DEA says the effort will continue as agencies work to curb fentanyl distribution and reduce overdose risks nationwide.