Former DEA Agent Reveals the Truth About the Fentanyl Crisis (Only 2mg Can Kill) episode artwork

EPISODE · Mar 8, 2026 · 48 MIN

Former DEA Agent Reveals the Truth About the Fentanyl Crisis (Only 2mg Can Kill)

from Behind The Story · host Jelani Gonzalez

Send us Fan MailWhat does the fentanyl crisis actually look like from inside law enforcement?In this episode of Behind the Story, Jelani sits down with Brian Townsend, a retired supervisory special agent who spent nearly 30 years in law enforcement, including 23 years with the Drug Enforcement Administration.Brian explains why illicit fentanyl has become the most dangerous drug law enforcement has ever encountered—and why just two milligrams can be deadly.The conversation explores the reality behind drug trafficking, the limits of the war on drugs, and why prevention, awareness, and honest conversations may be the most powerful tools communities have.Brian also shares insights from building leadership training programs, working complex drug investigations, and witnessing the devastating impact of the opioid epidemic across America.Topics include:Why fentanyl changed the drug landscapeThe difference between overdose and drug poisoningWhy people are dying on first-time drug useThe “Only 2mg” reality of fentanylWhat the public misunderstands about the opioid crisisHow families and communities can protect themselvesThis is a sobering but important conversation about leadership, responsibility, and the human cost of today’s drug crisis.Support the show

Episode metadata supplied by the publisher feed · Published Mar 8, 2026

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Send us Fan Mail What does the fentanyl crisis actually look like from inside law enforcement? In this episode of Behind the Story, Jelani sits down with Brian Townsend, a retired supervisory special agent who spent nearly 30 years in law enforcement, including 23 years with the Drug Enforcement Administration. Brian explains why illicit fentanyl has become the most dangerous drug law enforcement has ever encountered—and why just two milligrams can be deadly. The conversation explores the r...

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Former DEA Agent Reveals the Truth About the Fentanyl Crisis (Only 2mg Can Kill)

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