Drug enforcement agents will increase their efforts during the World Cup this summer as hundreds of thousands of visitors flock to Seattle for the event. Robert Saccone, Special Agent in Charge of the Drug Enforcement Administration’s Seattle Field Division, said the increased activity was an opportunity for criminal enterprises due to increased demand. He emphasized the top priority for the DEA is fentanyl, a synthetic opioid often taken illegally and laced with other drugs. Much of the fentanyl in the region is produced by cartels in Mexico using chemicals from China, and the DEA noted that fentanyl purity declined in 2024, indicating it's becoming more difficult for cartels to obtain the chemicals. Local fentanyl seizures have also increased, with approximately 25 million deadly doses seized in 2025, a 24% increase from the previous year. The DEA is monitoring shifting trafficking trends, particularly the use of social media platforms to reach younger buyers and is looking at new trends in modern drug sales.