DEA tells Laredo partners it seized more than $1 million and emphasized school outreach on fentanyl
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Summary
DEA representatives described the Fentanyl Free America campaign to the coalition, reported more than $1 million in regional seizures including nearly 9,000 fentanyl pills, and outlined age‑appropriate school presentations aimed at younger children.
DEA representatives addressed the coalition about a regional enforcement and prevention campaign that combined seizures with age‑appropriate school outreach.
A DEA representative told the group the region cleared more than $1,000,000 in seizures and seized hundreds of kilograms of cocaine and nearly 9,000 fentanyl pills in recent operations. Agents described visiting elementary schools and delivering tailored messaging to roughly 850 students to explain that fentanyl is a poison and to encourage children to identify trusted adults when they see something suspicious.
Why it matters: The agency framed the work as both enforcement and prevention: agents described shutting down vape shops located within illegal distances of schools during targeted operations and said local seizures show fentanyl is present in Laredo. Presenters also warned of evolving risks, including mixing fentanyl with xylazine and carfentanil and the appearance of liquid formulations in other regions.
The DEA speakers described a classroom curriculum developed with local principals and partners to reach younger students (fifth grade and below) and to avoid causing alarm while communicating basic safety messages. They emphasized peer support, reporting suspicious online contacts and avoiding unknown edibles or pills.
Next steps: Coalition partners were asked to continue coordinating school outreach and enforcement reporting, and to share materials with local principals and parent groups.
