A quiet lab in Manhattan plays a critical role in New York City’s fight against fentanyl.

“The whole entire northeast, anything that is seized by the DEA, other federal agencies, sometimes even state and locals, comes to this laboratory for testing,” said Tom Blackwell, the director of the Drug Enforcement Administration’s northeast regional laboratory.

“Of the 32 chemists I have on staff, over 50% of them are analyzing fentanyl exhibits as we speak,” Blackwell added.

For years, fentanyl, a synthetic opioid, was used for medical purposes. More recently, fentanyl has been laced with other street drugs to create a quicker, cheaper high.

The special agent in charge for the Drug Enforcement Administration’s New York Division, Frank Tarentino, told NY1 in a recent interview that there is an increase of fentanyl coming from China.

“In the last two years, we’re seeing an increase in fentanyl and that starts with China with the precursor chemicals that are being manufactured and then flowing into Mexico and then synthesized into fentanyl powder and then pressed into pills that end up here in New York City,” Tarentino said.

Overdose deaths in New York City reached a record-high last year, the highest level since reporting began in 2000.

City health officials say that in 2022, fentanyl was involved in 81% of overdose deaths, more than any other drug.

“What used to happen only on city streets and dark alleys, in more clandestine environments, is now happening openly on social media. On TikTok, on Instagram, on Facebook Messenger, on Snapchat,” Tarentino said.

In recent weeks, the Drug Enforcement Administration made three major fentanyl busts in the Bronx, including a case where a 1-year-old died after federal investigators say their day care doubled as a fentanyl drug operation.

Tarnetino says there is a sense of urgency and extra care each time fentanyl is found.

“It is the deadliest drug, illicit drug on the street today,” Tarnetino said.