Attorney General Ashley Moody and Florida Department of Law Enforcement Commissioner Mark Glass have released the latest report from the Florida Medical Examiners, showing a significant decline in opioid-related deaths across the state. The report indicates an 11% decrease in fentanyl occurrences in 2023, surpassing the national average reduction of 2%. Provisional data from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention also shows a more than 17% decrease in drug overdose deaths in Florida.
The Leesburg Medical Examiner District, which includes Citrus, Lake, Hernando, Marion, and Sumter counties, reported a notable 40% drop in fentanyl-related deaths. This statewide decline is attributed to increased efforts by law enforcement and access to life-saving medications like naloxone. Attorney General Moody provides free naloxone to first responders through the Helping Heroes program.
"This is very encouraging news," said Attorney General Ashley Moody. "Florida is fighting hard to stop the flow of Mexican fentanyl into our state. Law enforcement officers are on the front lines of this fight."
FDLE Commissioner Mark Glass acknowledged the leadership of Governor Ron DeSantis and Attorney General Moody for these achievements. "Fentanyl deaths decreased dramatically across Florida," he said.
The report highlights nearly 800 fewer opioid-related deaths in Florida during 2023 compared to the previous year. Nationwide, opioid overdose deaths only decreased by 2%. Additionally, there was a 5% decrease in total drug-related deaths from 2022 to 2023.
In Citrus County within the Leesburg district, law enforcement recorded its largest fentanyl bust ever last year with over 13 pounds seized — enough to kill more than three million people.
Other districts such as Florida Keys, Sanford, Gainesville, and Fort Myers also saw decreases greater than 27% in fentanyl-related deaths.
Attorney General Moody has prioritized combating the opioid crisis since taking office. She has led initiatives like chairing a task force on opioid abuse and securing billions through litigation against major distributors and manufacturers.
Moody's actions include demanding President Biden classify illicit fentanyl as a weapon of mass destruction (WMD) and urging him to declare Mexican drug cartels as terrorist organizations. Her efforts also focus on legislative measures such as supporting SAFE grants that help law enforcement agencies combat fentanyl trafficking effectively.
Since assuming office in 2019, her Office of Statewide Prosecution has charged numerous defendants related to fentanyl or opioids cases statewide.
For further information about drug dangers visit DoseOfRealityFL.com or TreatmentAtlas.org if struggling with addiction.