From the U.S. Government Accountability Office, www.gao.gov

Transcript for: Street Drug Identification and Analysis: A GAO Report

Description: The U.S. is facing a public health crisis as street drugs
are rapidly changing. Quickly detecting and identifying new drugs could
save lives. Current analysis methods and technologies can often detect
and identify new drugs. And, from FY 2019-2024, about $12.5 million in
federal grants were awarded to develop new methods and technologies. But
other challenges make it hard for law enforcement and public health
officials to keep up with emerging street drugs. For example,
short-staffed forensic labs may not be able to implement new testing
methods or technology without taking time away from routine casework. 

Related GAO Work: GAO-26-107763, Street Drug Analysis: Factors Affecting
the Detection and Identification of Emerging Substances

Released: February 2026


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The U.S. is facing a public health crisis.

Street drugs are rapidly changing. 

Between 2021 & early 2024, drug overdose deaths exceeded 100,000 per
year in the U.S.

While overall overdose deaths have declined recently, in some states the
numbers are rising.

GAO's report looks into the methods and technologies used to detect and
identify new street drugs as well as challenges for law enforcement and
forensic laboratories. 

Find out more @ GAO.gov.

Footage:
stock.adobe.com (H_Ko, star_way, Karim Boiko, Oleksandra, Anne)
youtube.com (On The Street, Denver Police, WorkSafeVP)


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For more info, check out our report GAO-26-107763 at: GAO.gov