FBI Director Kash Patel Touts Efforts to Stop Fentanyl Deaths in Lehigh Valley

Law enforcement leaders gather in Allentown to address the opioid crisis and seek solutions.

Apr. 1, 2026 at 9:39pm

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FBI Director Kash Patel joined state and federal law enforcement officers, including U.S. Senator Dave McCormick, Lehigh County District Attorney Gavin Holihan, Pennsylvania Attorney General Dave Sunday, and Berks County District Attorney John Adams, in Allentown to discuss strategies for combating the fentanyl crisis. The closed-door session included families who have lost loved ones to fentanyl overdoses, and focused on disrupting the flow of the deadly synthetic opioid into the Lehigh Valley region.

Why it matters

Fentanyl overdoses have become a major public health crisis in Pennsylvania, with over 4,000 deaths per year at the peak in 2020-2024. While the numbers have declined to around 1,500 deaths last year, law enforcement and government leaders recognize the need for a comprehensive, multi-pronged approach to save lives and stem the tide of this deadly drug.

The details

The roundtable discussion covered law enforcement efforts to seize fentanyl, with FBI Director Patel reporting a 31% increase in fentanyl seizures compared to the previous year. Participants also discussed using opioid lawsuit settlement funds to expand access to rehabilitation programs and medication-assisted treatment. Additionally, the group addressed emerging threats like the veterinary tranquilizer Xylazine, which is often mixed with fentanyl.

  • The closed-door session took place on Wednesday, March 31, 2026.
  • Overdose deaths in Pennsylvania peaked at an average of 4,000 per year in 2020-2024.
  • Overdose deaths declined to around 1,500 last year.

The players

Kash Patel

The Director of the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI).

Dave McCormick

A Republican U.S. Senator from Pennsylvania who hosted the roundtable discussion.

Gavin Holihan

The Lehigh County District Attorney.

Dave Sunday

The Pennsylvania Attorney General.

John Adams

The Berks County District Attorney.

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What they’re saying

“While there is more to do, we are making a lot of progress. That is what a whole-of-government approach looks like, and I am grateful to Director Patel, the FBI, and state and local partners for their partnership in this fight.”

— Dave McCormick, U.S. Senator

“This is a tremendous reminder that we've done good work, but we have a heck of a lot more to do.”

— Kash Patel, FBI Director

What’s next

The group plans to continue their collaborative efforts to disrupt the flow of fentanyl and other dangerous drugs into the Lehigh Valley region, including through legislative action and increased funding for law enforcement and treatment programs.

The takeaway

The roundtable discussion highlights the urgent need for a comprehensive, multi-agency approach to addressing the fentanyl crisis in Pennsylvania, which has claimed thousands of lives in recent years. By bringing together law enforcement, government leaders, and affected families, the group is working to save lives and find lasting solutions to this public health emergency.