Indianapolis Overdose Deaths Drop

Source: Stefano Madrigali / Getty

INDIANAPOLIS –Overdose deaths in Indianapolis have fallen nearly 28% since 2023, with fentanyl-related deaths down more than 45%, according to the DEA.

Michael Gannon, assistant special agent in charge at the DEA’s Indianapolis office, credits aggressive enforcement and partnerships with local authorities.

“We’ve been working a lot of investigations involving fentanyl, especially fentanyl poisonings,” Gannon told Newsmax.

He said the DEA has teamed up with local police, prosecutors, and the coroner’s office to improve evidence collection and track down drug suppliers. Increased access to Narcan has also played a key role in saving lives, he said.

One recent case, Gannon noted, involved a dealer responsible for four overdoses, two of them fatal.

“They thought they were just getting cocaine, $50 worth of cocaine,” he said. “The person had a significant violent criminal history, and he was sentenced to 51 years by a Marion County judge.”

Officials say the fight against fentanyl is far from over, but the numbers suggest progress.