CBP Supports Operation FREE 3.0 Fentanyl Initiative

CBP Announcements

Published April 11th, 2025

Detected March 5th, 2026

Summary

U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) announced its support for Operation FREE 3.0, a multiagency initiative to combat fentanyl trafficking. This operation involves over 175 federal, state, and local agencies across 14 states and leverages CBP's intelligence and investigative resources to target criminal networks.

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What changed

U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) has announced its support for Operation FREE 3.0, the third iteration of a multiagency initiative focused on fentanyl awareness, reduction, enforcement, and eradication. This operation involves over 175 federal, state, and local agencies across 14 states and aims to dismantle fentanyl trafficking networks. CBP will contribute its frontline expertise, intelligence capabilities, and investigative resources to support the initiative.

This announcement signifies a renewed commitment and enhanced collaboration among law enforcement agencies to combat the synthetic drug epidemic. While no specific compliance deadlines or penalties are mentioned for regulated entities, the increased focus and operational coordination by CBP and its partners suggest heightened scrutiny on the importation and trafficking of illicit substances. Companies involved in international trade, particularly those dealing with chemicals or pharmaceuticals, should be aware of potential increased inspections and intelligence sharing related to fentanyl precursors and finished products.

What to do next

Review CBP's role in Operation FREE 3.0 and its implications for trade security.
Ensure compliance with all import regulations related to controlled substances and their precursors.
Stay informed about potential shifts in CBP enforcement priorities related to fentanyl interdiction.

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Statement from Acting Commissioner Pete R. Flores on CBP’s support of Operation FREE 3.0

Statement from Acting Commissioner Pete R. Flores on CBP’s support of Operation FREE 3.0

Release Date Fri, 04/11/2025 WASHINGTON — U.S. Customs and Border Protection is committed to supporting its partners in the launch of Operation FREE 3.0 (Fentanyl Awareness, Reduction, Enforcement, and Eradication), marking the third iteration of this groundbreaking multiagency initiative that has already resulted in thousands of arrests, seizures of hundreds of firearms, and tens of thousands of pounds of fentanyl.

CBP remains steadfast in our mission to protect the American people from the threat posed by fentanyl and other synthetic narcotics. Operation FREE 3.0 exemplifies CBP’s holistic, intelligence-driven, and community-focused strategy to confront the synthetic drug epidemic head-on.

Initially implemented in Virginia, Operation FREE brings together over 175 federal, state, and local agencies from 14 states in an unprecedented partnership to dismantle fentanyl trafficking networks, enhance public awareness, and protect American communities from the devastating impact of synthetic drugs.

Operation FREE 3.0 will leverage CBP’s frontline expertise, advanced intelligence capabilities, and extensive investigative resources. Through strategic collaboration, CBP will directly supply actionable intelligence to our partners, empowering them to effectively target criminal networks and reduce the availability of deadly synthetic drugs.

Every pound of fentanyl seized is potentially thousands of lives saved. We recognize the magnitude of this crisis, and our dedicated officers and agents, alongside our law enforcement partners, are fully committed to winning this battle. We will continue our relentless pursuit of these dangerous narcotics and those responsible for trafficking them.

U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) is America's frontline: the nation's largest law enforcement organization and the world's first unified border management agency. The 67,000+ men and women of CBP protect America on the ground, in the air, and on the seas. We enforce safe, lawful travel and trade and ensure our country's economic prosperity. We enhance the nation's security through innovation, intelligence, collaboration, and trust.