NORTH DAKOTA (KXNET) — It's the season of travel and family gatherings, and the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) Omaha Division wants communities to make the most of this time by having conversations about the consequences of drug experimentation and the dangers of fentanyl. For the first time in five years, the U.S. has seen a decrease in drug overdose deaths and poisonings. The CDC notes a 14.5% decrease in deaths nationwide between June 2023 and June 2024. In North Dakota, according to the Centers for Disease Control, drug overdose deaths from July 2023 to July 2024 decreased 10%. In 2023, over 107,000 people lost their lives to drug overdoses, and almost 70% of those were attributed to opioids like fentanyl. NDGF shares two ice fishing announcements "While we are grateful to see a decline in the number of lives lost, we know that this holiday season, there are more than 107,000 families missing their loved one because of the tragic consequences brought about by fentanyl," said Steven T. Bell, the special agent in charge at the DEA Ohama Division. "Engage with your family and friends on a conversation about the dangers of fake pills and the risk of experimentation. Let's help ensure that next year's holiday gathering brings everyone together again safe and sound." The latest DEA lab testing showed that five out of 10 pills contained a potentially deadly dose of fentanyl. According to the DEA, two milligrams of fentanyl is considered to be lethal — one gram of fentanyl is the same size as a sugar packet, which has the potential to kill to up 500 people. For more information, you can visit the DEA website or Get Smart About Drugs. Close Thanks for signing up! Watch for us in your inbox. Subscribe Now Today's Top Stories SIGN UP NOW