Fatal overdoses in Denver rose last year, despite national figures showing a dip in drug deaths, possibly tied to a Chinese crackdown on fentanyl.
By the numbers: Denver recorded a 24% increase in drug overdoses involving fentanyl last year compared to 2024, preliminary data from the medical examiner’s office shows.
The city tallied 515 total drug overdoses last year, a 7% jump from 2024.
- Most were accidental. Overdoses labeled as a suicide have dropped every year since 2023, data shows.
Why it matters: The toxic illicit drug supply in Denver continues to run rampant, devastating vulnerable populations like unhoused people and people unable to access treatment…