Fentanyl-related deaths in Dallas County have dropped by more than half, signaling potential progress in the ongoing opioid crisis, according to the newly released 2025 Threat Assessment by the Texoma High Intensity Drug Trafficking Area (HIDTA).
While fentanyl remained the leading cause of fatal and nonfatal overdoses in 2024, the county reported approximately 140 fentanyl-related deaths through November—down from 282 in 2023.
Officials attribute the decline to intensified prevention strategies, including opioid response teams, peer navigators in emergency departments, and widespread public education campaigns.
The Dallas County District Attorney’s Office has also played a key role. District Attorney John Creuzot has emphasized community-based approaches alongside prosecutions. Since 2023, there have been 3,903 suspected overdose interventions in the city, aided by real-time overdose mapping technology used by first responders.
The DA’s Office also allocated $150,000 in asset forfeiture funds to the Dallas Police Department for fentanyl-specific initiatives. The funds supported equipment upgrades, public outreach, and the purchase of Narcan—placing three doses in every Dallas patrol car to help reverse fentanyl overdoses, which often require multiple doses.
“Our goal is simple: support our law enforcement partners and prevent unnecessary deaths,” said DA Creuzot. “When agencies work together, we reduce harm and save lives.”
The DA’s Office also provided $10,000 to the DeSoto Police Department to purchase Narcan, expanding life-saving resources across Dallas County.
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