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Michigan Overdose Deaths Set to Decline for Fourth Year
Meth and cocaine make a comeback as DEA cracks down on fentanyl
Mar. 31, 2026 at 12:03am
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For the fourth consecutive year, drug overdose deaths in Michigan are on track to decline, according to the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA). However, the DEA is now seeing a significant resurgence in the use of methamphetamine and cocaine, two deadly drugs that were popular decades ago. The DEA and local law enforcement are working to combat this trend through aggressive enforcement, border security, and education efforts.
Why it matters
The decline in overdose deaths is a positive sign, but the comeback of meth and cocaine raises new concerns about public health and safety in Michigan communities. The DEA's efforts to target traffickers and disrupt supply chains could have a significant impact on reducing the availability and use of these dangerous drugs.
The details
The DEA credits the decline in overdose deaths to its "Fentanyl Free America" campaign and the widespread distribution of Narcan, a medication that can rapidly reverse opioid overdoses. However, the agency is now seeing a resurgence in the use of methamphetamine and cocaine, which had previously declined in popularity. Dealers are using the addictive nature of these drugs to their advantage, hooking users and generating more revenue. In 2025 alone, the Kalamazoo Valley Enforcement Team (KVET) seized 38.5 pounds of meth. The DEA and local law enforcement are working to identify dealers, monitor package deliveries, and trace drug shipments back to traffickers and Mexican cartels.
- In 2021, there were 3,096 overdose deaths recorded in Michigan.
- In 2022, the number of overdose deaths declined to 2,998.
- In 2023, the number of overdose deaths further declined to 2,931.
- In 2024, the number of overdose deaths dropped significantly to 1,938.
- From January to June 2025, there were 873 overdose deaths recorded.
The players
Derek Ress
DEA Special Agent who credits the DEA's "Fentanyl Free America" campaign and the widespread distribution of Narcan for the decline in overdose deaths.
Mike Ferguson
Captain of the Kalamazoo Valley Enforcement Team (KVET), which seized 38.5 pounds of meth in 2025 alone.
What they’re saying
“I think a lot of that has to do with DEA's awareness, our Fentanyl Free America campaign.”
— Derek Ress, DEA Special Agent
“We are seizing meth almost daily at this point.”
— Mike Ferguson, Captain, Kalamazoo Valley Enforcement Team
“If they have somebody hooked on the drug and that person is constantly calling them daily, they're making more money, right?”
— Mike Ferguson, Captain, Kalamazoo Valley Enforcement Team
What’s next
The DEA and local law enforcement plan to continue their aggressive enforcement efforts, targeting drug traffickers and Mexican cartels, as well as monitoring package deliveries to disrupt the supply chain. They also aim to expand education and awareness campaigns to further reduce overdose deaths.
The takeaway
While the decline in overdose deaths is a positive sign, the resurgence of meth and cocaine in Michigan communities is a concerning development that requires sustained and coordinated efforts from law enforcement, public health officials, and the community to address the complex and evolving drug crisis.
