Pa. law enforcement announced united front to combat fentanyl crisis

PHILADELPHIA (WPVI) -- Law enforcement officials from across Pennsylvania gathered in Philadelphia to present a united front against the fentanyl epidemic, which they say rivals the crack crisis of the 1980s and 1990s.

"We are here today again united in a common mission, to stop the flow of fentanyl," said Pennsylvania Attorney General Dave Sunday.

Sunday joined local, state and federal partners to highlight efforts to stop the spread of the deadly crisis. Officials say fentanyl is responsible for killing more than 70,000 people every year, with doses as small as a few grains.

"The fentanyl crisis in this country is literally the worst narcotics epidemic this country has ever faced," said Delaware County District Attorney Jack Stollsteimer.

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Philadelphia has been hit especially hard. Officials revealed that more than half of the fentanyl seized in Pennsylvania this year was found in the region. Of the 50 million doses taken off the streets statewide, 27 million were seized in Philadelphia and surrounding counties.

That figure does not include a major raid last week in Kensington, where 33 people were indicted. Law enforcement officials say more busts are expected as they continue to target dealers.

"The pressure's going to increase. We will not stop," said Philadelphia Police Commissioner Kevin Bethel.

While Kensington remains a focal point of the crisis, Bethel emphasized that the problem extends far beyond the neighborhood.

"This is a commonwealth problem, it's an American problem," he said.

Officials said that more fentanyl has been seized through September of this year than in all of last year.