2025 National Drug Threat Assessment

The 2025 National Drug Threat Assessment reveals a stark picture of the evolving drug landscape in the U.S., driven by synthetic opioids like fentanyl and methamphetamine. Mexican cartels, now designated as foreign terrorist organizations, are the dominant suppliers, exploiting global supply chains and digital platforms to flood the country with deadly drugs. Despite a decline in overdose deaths, fentanyl remains the leading cause of drug poisonings, often mixed with other substances and marketed to unsuspecting users. The report also highlights growing threats from emerging substances like nitazenes and xylazine, and exposes cartel involvement in other crimes, from fuel theft to human trafficking.