By Los Angeles County Politics
Los Angeles County District Attorney Nathan J. Hochman yesterday credited the combined efforts of law enforcement, public health leaders, educators and community advocates, along with his office’s sustained campaign to expose the dangers of fentanyl, for driving a historic 22 percent decline in overdose and poisoning deaths across Los Angeles County.
Hochman said the results prove that prevention and education save lives, and he pledged to intensify efforts to make the public aware of fentanyl’s deadly reach — particularly with Halloween approaching — while continuing to prosecute those who profit from, peddle or provide the drug.
“This isn’t someone else’s problem. The problem is all of ours,” said Hochman. “Seven out of every 10 illicit pills are laced with a lethal dose of fentanyl. Those odds put every person, every student and every family at risk. One pill can kill. Fentanyl doesn’t give second chances. It is an indiscriminate assassin killing on average of eight people in our community every single day.”
According to public health officials, overdose deaths fell from 3,137 in 2023 to 2,438 in 2024, the most significant single year drop in Los Angeles County history.
Fentanyl-related deaths declined 37 percent, while methamphetamine-related deaths fell 20 percent. For the first time in years, fentanyl deaths dropped below methamphetamine deaths, signaling a potential turning point in the county’s battle against synthetic opioids.
Since 2024, the DA’s Office has filed 426 cases involving the possession, sale, transportation or distribution of controlled substances. These prosecutions are part of a comprehensive effort to stop the illegal flow of fentanyl while supporting education and treatment initiatives aimed at preventing future loss.
Also taking credit for the overdose death decline was Los Angeles County Sheriff Robert G. Luna.
“Overdose deaths across Los Angeles County have dropped by more than 20 percent, and within our jurisdiction, we’ve seen nearly a 30 percent decline since launching the Sheriff’s Department Overdose Response Task Force,” said Luna.
“These results reflect the dedication of our detectives and the strength of our partnerships with local, state, and federal agencies. We remain steadfast in our mission to save lives, disrupt the flow of deadly drugs into our communities, and hold those accountable who profit on the lives of others,” said Luna.
Los Angeles Police Department Chief Jim McDonnell said that the widespread threat of fentanyl demands a unified response.
“Through collaboration with the District Attorney’s Office and our law enforcement partners, we are working every day to disrupt the flow of this lethal drug and protect our communities from its devastating impact,” said McDonnell.
Awareness is the first step in saving a life. Here are some useful links:
Together for Families | DEA.gov National Institute on Drug Abuse: Fentanyl | National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA).
Below is the full news conference on the issue.
