From 0 to 18 Tons: Fentanyl’s Deadly US Invasion

This chart reveals how drug smuggling from Mexico to the U.S. has dramatically changed from the 1980s to 2025. Cocaine, marijuana, heroin, and meth volumes fluctuated over time—but fentanyl was virtually nonexistent until 20 years ago. Now, fentanyl shipments have exploded to an estimated 12–18 tons annually, posing the most deadly threat America has ever faced. Watch as we break down the staggering numbers and what this means for every city in the country.