Springfield, IL  (CAPITOL CITY NOW) – Payouts from Crime Stoppers for tips leading to the arrest of individuals dealing fentanyl have increased to a minimum of $1,500. This initiative was announced Monday, and the move is in response to the growing crisis of fentanyl-related deaths in the region.

Fentanyl is the leading cause of accidental deaths in Illinois and in Sangamon County, according to Crime Stoppers. In 2023, Sangamon County Coroner Jim Allmon reported 82 drug related deaths as compared to 38 in 2019. Of that number, 80 percent of the deaths were Fentanyl related.

Officer Chris Jones, Crime Stoppers coordinator, emphasized the importance of this initiative in saving lives by removing fentanyl distributors from the streets.