Many people still think of illegal drug deals as taking place in a dark alley and that purchasing the drugs or medications online is “safer.” However, United States Drug Enforcement Administration Omaha Division Special Agent in Charge Steve Bell says that’s not necessarily the case. https://media-cdn.socastsrm.com/wordpress/wp-content/blogs.dir/2626/files/2024/10/101424-bell1.mp3 Bell says the Mexican drug cartels have one goal– to drive addiction. https://media-cdn.socastsrm.com/wordpress/wp-content/blogs.dir/2626/files/2024/10/101424-bell2.mp3 He says the cartels are extremely internet and social media savvy. https://media-cdn.socastsrm.com/wordpress/wp-content/blogs.dir/2626/files/2024/10/101424-bell3.mp3 So far this year, DEA agents in the Omaha Division have taken approximately 3.5 million lethal doses of fentanyl and nearly 3,000 pounds of methamphetamine off the streets of the five states in their region– South Dakota, North Dakota, Minnesota, Iowa and Nebraska. Bell encourages people of all ages to talk about drug misuse and experimentation, as well as healthy ways to cope with fluctuating emotions. https://media-cdn.socastsrm.com/wordpress/wp-content/blogs.dir/2626/files/2024/10/101424-bell4.mp3 Bell says while fentanyl pill seizures are trending downward, fentanyl powder seizures have jumped 21% and methamphetamine seizures have jumped approximately 50%.