Drug Poisonings and Drug-Induced Homicide Prosecution

About this episode

This episode discusses the rise of drug poisoning cases, particularly involving fentanyl, and the legal implications for drug dealers.

As we open this file from the Illinois State Police we enter the ever-changing world of drugs. Fentynyl poisoning is currently the leading cause of death for Americans age 18-45. In recent years, the substance has accounted for nearly 70% of drug overdose deaths. According to the National Forensic Laboratory Information System, over 40% of heroin seized by authorities tested positive for fentanyl lacing. It has been found added to just about every kind of drug imaginable. On rare occasions, it’s even been found in more innocuous-seeming drugs like marijuana, or in medication like Adderall. In what are now being more appropriately deemed “drug poisoning” cases, where individuals were sold laced or unexpectedly-strong drugs that lead to overdose deaths, new legal precedent and legislation is being spearheaded to help hold dealers accountable. Due to this change in approach, what previously may have only been viable as distribution or manufacturing charges can now potentially be escalated to a drug-induced homicide charge. In this episode our host, ISP Director Brendan Kelly, will be speaking with several expert guests knowledgeable about and experienced with drug enforcement. We…

People in this episode

Host: Brendan Kelly

Guests: Terry Almanza, Robert Wieczorek

Topics covered

• drug poisoning
• fentanyl
• drug-induced homicide
• drug enforcement
• overdose deaths
• legislation

Keywords

• fentanyl poisoning
• drug overdose
• drug enforcement
• homicide legislation
• Illinois State Police
• drug lacing
• advocacy

Mentioned in this episode

Organizations: poisoningofamerica.org, Illinois State Police, FBI

More episodes of The Illinois State Police Podcast

• Evidence- Part 2- Hidden Evidence and Advanced Traffic Crash Reconstruction · May 9, 2026 · 37 min
• Evidence- Part 1 - Crime Scene Investigation, Forensic Science, Weapons Recovery, and Drug Chemistry · April 11, 2026 · 55 min
• ISP Holiday Q&A, Stories from the Field, and More · December 23, 2025 · 58 min
• Saving Lives, on or off Duty · November 13, 2025 · 56 min
• Human Trafficking · June 25, 2025 · 57 min
• Building Back Broken Communities - The Ongoing Struggle For East St. Louis · June 4, 2025 · 1h 15m