DPD and the DEA Launch ‘Operation Overdose Intercept'

DPD and the DEA Launch 'Operation Overdose Intercept'

Published on August 24, 2026

Denver Police officer arrests suspect during launch of Operation Overdose Intercept

Eight Weeks of Coordinated and Focused Enforcement Aimed at Removing Deadly Drugs from the Community and Reducing Fentanyl-Related Deaths

Denver - Monday, August 24, 2026 - The Denver Police Department and U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration Rocky Mountain Division have partnered to launch Operation Overdose Intercept - a coordinated enforcement operation aimed at reducing overdoses and overdose deaths in Denver by arresting dealers and seizing potentially lethal illicit fentanyl before the drugs can cause harm.

According to the Denver Department of Public Health and Environment's drug overdose death dashboard:

• 137 deaths in Denver were confirmed to involve fentanyl in the first five months of 2026
• Denver also documented 1,246 non-fatal suspected opioid overdose emergency room visits between January 1 through August 16, 2026.
• In 2025, 563 members of the Denver community were lost to drug-related deaths

This data represents friends and loved ones from all walks of life, circumstances, and neighborhoods throughout the city.

"Every overdose and overdose death is a heartbreak that ripples through our community, and each loss reminds us of the importance of protecting those upon whom drug dealers prey," said Denver Police Chief Ron Thomas. "By leveraging our law enforcement partnerships and doubling down on the great work done every day by our officers, we can help protect the vulnerable, disrupt the distribution of deadly drugs, and save lives together."

Operation Overdose Intercept is a collaborative enforcement effort between the Denver Police Department and the DEA to disrupt fentanyl trafficking, intercept dangerous drugs, dismantle criminal networks, and protect our community from overdoses and death.

Operation Overdose Intercept was launched on Thursday, August 20, 2026, with enforcement operations conducted in each of DPD's six districts resulting in 34 arrests and the seizure of approximately:

• 2 kilograms of suspected fentanyl (approximately 4.4 pounds)
• 88 grams of suspected methamphetamine
• 25 grams of suspected cocaine
• 2 firearms (1 of which was modified to be fully automatic)
• 1 stolen vehicle

Investigators' largest single seizure of the day was approximately 30,000 suspected fentanyl pills.

"Fentanyl kills hundreds of Denverites each year and destroys the lives of countless more," said Mayor Mike Johnston. "This operation goes directly at those responsible. I'm grateful to Chief Thomas and the Denver Police Department for targeting those who profit from pain and for making our streets safer as a result."

Operation Overdose Intercept includes a goal of more than 100 enforcement operations citywide each week for eight weeks. The Denver Police teams involved in the operations include narcotics and anti-crime teams from each of DPD's six districts, Fentanyl Investigations Team, Major Narcotics Trafficking Unit, Vice Unit, and Special Operations Response Team. Partnering agencies and task forces include the DEA, Front Range Drug Task Force, R.A.V.E.N. Task Force, and the Denver District Attorney's Office.

"Our goal at DEA is a Fentanyl Free America. We appreciate the partnership with the Denver Police Department and look forward to getting fentanyl and criminals off our streets," said Drug Enforcement Administration Rocky Mountain Field Division acting Special Agent in Charge Miguel Chino.

The community can assist with these enforcement operations by providing information about individuals or networks selling drugs in Denver. Tipsters can provide information through Metro Denver Crime Stoppers at 720-913-STOP (7867), and tipsters can remain anonymous.

The Denver Department of Public Health and Environment and Denver Police partner to prevent overdoses. To learn more about DDPHE's overdose prevention initiatives and resources, click here.

Through DPD's partnership with The Naloxone Project, community members can also pick up free naloxone kits from "vending machines" outside of the following three Denver Police locations. So far, more than 4,000 free naloxone kits have been distributed through these three vending machines.

• DPD District 2 Station (3921 N. Holly St.)
• DPD District 6 Station (1566 N. Washington St.)
• DPD Police Administration Building (1331 Cherokee St.)

Images from the operations on August 20th can be found here.

• Police Department