DEA eyes potential drug trafficking risks tied to World Cup in Kansas City

Ben Wheeler, The Kansas City Star on Jun 4, 2026

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KANSAS CITY, Mo. — Federal drug enforcement officials say they are preparing for potential drug trafficking risks tied to next week’s FIFA World Cup in Kansas City.

The U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration is working with state and local partners while also launching a nationwide awareness campaign aimed in part at educating foreign visitors about fentanyl and the risks posed by the illicit drug supply.

John Schrock, assistant special agent in charge with the DEA’s Kansas City office, said major events that attract large crowds can create opportunities for illicit markets, including drug sales.

“Anywhere you can find half a million people, that’s an opportunity,” Schrock said. “Whether it’s hotel rooms or FIFA apparel or barbecue, the drug trade is no different. There’s an opportunity for people that engage in the drug trade to make money off all the folks that are coming here.”

Schrock said the agency has seen larger drug seizures in recent months, particularly involving cocaine, but cautioned against drawing a direct connection to World Cup preparations or increased supply moving into Kansas City.

While seizures in the metro have increased, Schrock said similar trends have been seen across the country and officials do not have evidence showing Kansas City’s numbers are rising specifically because of FIFA-related activity.

“It may be a spurious correlation,” Schrock said. “I wouldn’t make that stretch.”

As part of its preparedness effort, Schrock said visitors in World Cup host cities, including Kansas City, can expect to see billboards, digital signage and other public messaging tied to DEA’s “One Pill Can Kill” campaign.

The campaign is intended to warn visitors that fentanyl can be present in illicit drugs and counterfeit pills that resemble legitimate prescription medications, Schrock said.

“A lot of the people that are going to be here are not from this country and have not dealt with the threat that comes with synthetic opioids, such as fentanyl,” Schrock said. “The guests that are coming here may not be aware of the risk of a synthetic opioid being in cocaine. Same with methamphetamine.”

Schrock said that while several agencies are focused on security planning for the World Cup, that has not shifted the DEA’s focus on intercepting drugs moving into the Kansas City metro area.

The agency is working closely with the Missouri State Highway Patrol, Kansas Highway Patrol and Kansas City Police Department, among others, to monitor drug movement through the region, Schrock said.