The Pulitzer Prize stands as one of the most prestigious honors in the fields of journalism, literature, and music in the United States. Founded in 1917 by newspaper publisher Joseph Pulitzer, the award is administered by Columbia University and is considered the highest recognition for exceptional storytelling and public-interest reporting.
These awards are given annually across multiple categories, including investigative journalism, international reporting, public service, fiction, drama, and more. Winning a Pulitzer signals that a piece of work has not only met the highest standards of excellence but also made a meaningful impact on society.
Reuters Wins Pulitzer for Investigative Reporting on the Global Fentanyl Trade
On May 5, 2025, Reuters was awarded the Pulitzer Prize for Investigative Reporting for its compelling and deeply researched series titled “Fentanyl Express”. This seven-part investigation shed light on the murky and dangerous global network that supplies the precursor chemicals used to manufacture fentanyl — the synthetic opioid at the center of a devastating U.S. public health crisis that has claimed over 450,000 lives.
The Reuters investigative team went beyond headlines. By legally purchasing the same chemical ingredients and equipment that drug cartels use, they demonstrated just how easy and affordable it is to obtain the materials needed to make fentanyl. For a mere $3,600, they secured enough supplies to produce an estimated $3 million worth of the drug. Importantly, the team had no intention of making fentanyl and ensured the safe disposal of all materials.
Their work uncovered a critical vulnerability in U.S. import laws — a regulation known as the “de minimis” rule. This loophole allowed low-cost shipments valued under $800 to enter the U.S. tariff-free and with limited customs scrutiny. This policy enabled a flood of small parcels from China, containing chemicals often used in synthetic drug production. The Trump administration closed this loophole for Chinese and Hong Kong shipments just last week, partly in response to findings like those in this investigation.
In addition to tracing the flow of precursor chemicals from China, the series explored the role of Mexican brokers and drug cartels, and the growing tensions between U.S. and Chinese authorities over regulatory enforcement. It also spotlighted naloxone, a medication that has helped reverse thousands of fentanyl overdoses — though it hasn’t stopped the ongoing addiction crisis.
This groundbreaking investigation was the work of a global team of reporters including Maurice Tamman, Laura Gottesdiener, Stephen Eisenhammer, Drazen Jorgic, Daisy Chung, Kristina Cooke, Michael Martina, Antoni Slodkowski, and Shannon Stapleton. They conducted fieldwork across the United States, Mexico, China, and other regions.
Reuters Editor-in-Chief Alessandra Galloni praised the team’s work, calling the series “a powerful example of how investigative journalism can expose hidden truths, hold institutions accountable, and spark meaningful change.”
This Pulitzer marks the sixth time Reuters has won the award for reporting since 2014, further solidifying the news organization’s reputation for fearless, high-impact journalism.
