Polish Journalist Antoni Słodkowski Makes Historic Double Pulitzer Win

Chatty Headline: Polish Journalist Antoni Słodkowski Scores Double Pulitzer for Exposing Global Fentanyl Crisis

Let's Dive In

Antoni Słodkowski, a daring investigative journalist for Reuters, has made history by clinching his second Pulitzer Prize. This time around, he won for his groundbreaking work on the global fentanyl trade that's fueling the opioid crisis in the United States.

Słodkowski, along with eight fellow Reuters journalists, shone a spotlight on the ease with which precursor chemicals for fentanyl — a synthetic opioid linked to hundreds of thousands of deaths in the U.S. — can be purchased from Chinese suppliers and smuggled into the country. Their audacious seven-part series, "Fentanyl Express," unmasked not only the accessibility and low cost of these chemicals but also the shortcomings of U.S. authorities in curbing the deadly flow.

This year's Pulitzer Prize, awarded annually by Columbia University, recognized winners across 22 categories. Słodkowski's triumphant return to the winners' circle comes in a year dominated by The New York Times, which led with four awards, The New Yorker with three, and The Washington Post with two.

The "Fentanyl Express" Revealed

Months of covert work led to the "Fentanyl Express" series, which details the intricate supply chain that enables the flow of fentanyl into the U.S. and exposes how Chinese companies have exploited American customs regulations to smuggle cheap chemicals across borders. The team even purchased the necessary components to manufacture fentanyl for just $3,600 — enough to produce street drugs worth at least $3 million. To ensure safety, they ensured the secure disposal of the chemicals and equipment.

The investigation also spotlighted the persistent failure of U.S. authorities to stem the tide, despite substantial diplomatic and law enforcement efforts under both the Biden and Trump administrations. The series — praised for its originality, depth, and bravery in penetrating such a perilous black market — has rightly been lauded.

A Career of Courage

This isn't Słodkowski's first Pulitzer. In 2019, he led Reuters' Myanmar bureau in an investigation that documented the atrocities committed against the Rohingya Muslim minority. His relentless pursuit of the truth has often put him at personal and professional risk, with his work resulting in the imprisonment of two Reuters journalists by Myanmar authorities.

Słodkowski, 39, hails from Łódź, Poland, and has spent much of his career in Asia, reporting from Japan, China, and Myanmar. Reflecting on his success, Słodkowski credits large, international news organizations like Reuters for enabling high-quality investigative journalism.

Pulitzer Prizes Illuminating Pressing Global Issues

This year's Pulitzer ceremony recognized coverage of other major global events, including The New York Times' reporting on the fentanyl crisis in Baltimore and its coverage of political and social unrest in Iraq. The Washington Post, too, received accolades for its coverage of the same events and for editorial cartooning.

The 2025 awards underscored the vital role of investigative journalism in holding power to account and illuminating issues that shape public policy and society. For Słodkowski, the recognition is both a personal milestone and a testament to the enduring importance of fearless, fact-based reporting in a rapidly changing world.

Antoni Słodkowski's historic second Pulitzer Prize not only cements his legacy as a leading figure in investigative journalism but also throws a spotlight on the global dimensions of the opioid crisis and the critical need for persistent, courageous reporting.

Stay Informed about Poland

Want to keep up with the latest news from Poland? Sign up below to receive a weekly recap of the hottest headlines.

We don't spam! Check your inbox or spam folder to confirm your subscription.

The ongoing global fentanyl crisis, uncovered byAntoni Słodkowski and his team at Reuters, is a pressing issue that significantly impacts the realm of health-and-wellness, particularly in the United States.
In addition to the opioid crisis, Pulitzer Prizes this year recognized general-news coverage of political and social unrest in Iraq.
Antoni Słodkowski's investigation into the fentanyl trade policy revealed how artificial intelligence (AI) has been used to bypass customs regulations for cross-border smuggling of precursor chemicals.
The "Fentanyl Express" series by Słodkowski and his fellow journalists brought to light a topic that warrants attention in the realms of crime-and-justice and law.
Working on international investigations has allowed Słodkowski to contribute to breakthroughs in both trade and political understanding across different nations.
As Słodkowski's reporting on the fentanyl crisis showcases, the thriving black market operations are increasingly influenced by disruptive technologies like AI and require innovative solutions both within the legal framework and beyond, touching on science and space exploration.
As the world continues to develop rapidly, it's crucial that we maintain access to credible and courageous investigative journalism like Słodkowski's, which provides invaluable insights on critical global issues — such as medical-conditions, travel, and politics.