Abstract
OBJECTIVE: To examine mainstream media coverage of drug seizures and identify trends in messaging on substance use treatment and other public health responses. STUDY DESIGN: We compiled news reports published January 2022-May 2024 on drug seizures in the United States. METHODS: We extracted information on incident trends (including geography, drugs and other items seized, agencies involved, and mentions of substance use treatment-related resources). RESULTS: Only three of 211 articles (1 %) had any mention of substance use treatment or other public health-related resources. Of those three articles, only one provided actionable information linking to resources. CONCLUSIONS: Drug seizure-related media coverage is a missed opportunity to prevent drug-related harms. The lack of public health messaging in drug seizure-related media coverage should be rectified by refocusing coverage away from drug enforcement narratives and instead provide guidance towards evidence-based resources and services.