Antoni Słodkowski, a veteran investigative journalist for Reuters, has become the first Polish national to win the Pulitzer Prize twice, earning his latest accolade for his role in an explosive investigation into the global fentanyl trade that is fueling the opioid crisis in the United States.
Słodkowski, alongside a team of eight Reuters journalists, was recognized in the Investigative Reporting category for the seven-part series “Fentanyl Express.” The reporting uncovered the ease with which precursor chemicals for fentanyl, a synthetic opioid responsible for hundreds of thousands of deaths in the U.S., are purchased from Chinese suppliers and smuggled into the country. The investigation exposed not only the accessibility and low cost of these chemicals but also highlighted the shortcomings of U.S. authorities in curbing the deadly flow.
The Pulitzer Prize, awarded annually by Columbia University, is considered the highest honor in American journalism. This year marked the 109th edition of the awards, with a jury of 18 selecting winners across 15 journalism and seven arts categories. Słodkowski’s recognition stands out in a year when The New York Times led with four awards, followed by The New Yorker with three, and The Washington Post with two.
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Unveiling the Fentanyl Pipeline
The “Fentanyl Express” series was the result of months of undercover work by the Reuters team, which included purchasing all the necessary components to manufacture fentanyl for just $3,600-enough to produce street drugs worth at least $3 million. The journalists did not synthesize the drug, instead ensuring the safe disposal of the chemicals and equipment. Their reporting revealed, for the first time, the intricate supply chain that enables the flow of fentanyl into the U.S., and how Chinese companies have exploited American customs regulations to smuggle cheap chemicals across borders.
The investigation also detailed the persistent failure of U.S. authorities to stem the tide, despite significant diplomatic and law enforcement efforts under both the Biden and Trump administrations. The series has been lauded for its originality, depth, and the courage required to penetrate such a dangerous black market.
A Career Marked by Courage
This is not Słodkowski’s first Pulitzer. In 2019, he led Reuters’ Myanmar bureau in an investigation that documented the atrocities committed against the Rohingya Muslim minority. That reporting, which resulted in the imprisonment of two Reuters journalists by Myanmar authorities, was recognized with the Pulitzer Prize for International Reporting.
Słodkowski, 39, hails from Łódź, Poland, and has spent much of his career in Asia, reporting from Japan, China, and Myanmar. He is currently Reuters’ Chief Politics & General News Correspondent in China. His career has been marked by a commitment to uncovering stories of global significance, often at considerable personal and professional risk.
Reflecting on his achievements, Słodkowski has credited the support of large, international news organizations like Reuters for enabling high-quality investigative journalism. “It is extremely difficult to do very high-quality investigative journalism without the backing of a large, international organization. In essence, our award is largely thanks to the efficient work of an army of people at Reuters who ensured our safety,” he said after his first Pulitzer win.
Pulitzer Prizes Highlight Pressing Global Issues
This year’s Pulitzer ceremony also recognized coverage of other major global events. The New York Times was honored for its reporting on the fentanyl crisis in Baltimore and for breaking news photography documenting the assassination attempt on former President Donald Trump. The Washington Post received accolades for its coverage of the same event 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 shines a light on the global dimensions of the opioid crisis and the critical need for persistent, courageous reporting.
