Law enforcement personnel seize a lethal substance more potent than Fentanylin Fresno, according to their reports.
In the heart of California, Fresno is grappling with a dangerous opioid crisis. Over the July 4th weekend, federal law enforcement agencies, including the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA), made a significant stride in the fight against the Carfentanil epidemic.
Recent operations under "Operation Take Back America" resulted in the seizure of 24 pounds of carfentanil, disguised as prescription oxycodone pills. This potent opioid, 100 times more powerful than fentanyl, highlights the scale of the problem and the sophistication of cartel operations distributing fake and deadly drugs.
U.S. Attorney General Pam Bondi emphasized prosecuting drug traffickers to the fullest extent of the law, labeling those dealing such drugs as violent criminals. The Department of Justice attorneys are dedicated to pursuing these criminals aggressively, especially amid increasing cartel activity in California communities.
To combat the crisis, the DEA is employing intelligence-led enforcement tactics, disrupting sophisticated smuggling methods such as drugs hidden in shipments like cucumber crates. This approach aims to uncover concealed shipments that might otherwise go undetected.
Public warnings and education are also crucial in the fight against Carfentanil. DEA Acting Director Murphy publicly warns against buying or accepting prescription drugs from anyone other than licensed pharmacies, stressing that counterfeit pills can be indistinguishable from genuine ones but are often laced with lethal substances. Outreach targets vulnerable populations, including high school and college students near university areas.
Legislative support is another key aspect of the response. Praise was given to Congress for passing the Halt Fentanyl Act, which mandates harsher penalties for possession of 100 grams or more of fentanyl or related substances. This legislation supports law enforcement's crackdown on fentanyl and carfentanil distribution.
Though not Fresno-specific, additional efforts are ongoing in areas such as fentanyl cleanup and remediation through specialized companies like Safety Services Management, which focus on environmental contamination and public safety related to fentanyl exposure—critical for broader public health responses to opioid epidemics.
Flint Andersen, founder of Parents and Addicts in Need, warned about Carfentanil in 2021, stating that the seizure confirms his prediction from years ago and raises more concerns about the ongoing addiction problem. Andersen also warned that the overdose rate will increase because there’s nothing to effectively stop an overdose from carfentanil, and that Narcan may not be effective in saving people who overdose on carfentanil.
Lisa Smittcamp, Fresno County District Attorney, emphasized the need to educate children about Carfentanil in 2021. The exact quantity of Carfentanil seized during the July 4th weekend in Fresno is not specified. Customs and Border Patrol announced seizures of illicit drugs were up nearly 13 percent in June as compared to May.
As the fight against Carfentanil continues, it is essential for the public to stay informed. Follow Kate Nemarich for news updates on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram. Together, we can help combat this deadly opioid crisis.
In the midst of combating the Carfentanil crisis, efforts extend beyond Fresno to address broader public health issues, including mental health and general news. The Halt Fentanyl Act, passed by Congress, imposes harsher penalties for possession of substantial quantities of fentanyl or related substances.
The fight against Carfentanil also involves raising awareness about its dangers, especially for vulnerable populations such as high school and college students. Public figures like Flint Andersen from Parents and Addicts in Need have warned about the risks of Carfentanil and its potential to increase overdose rates, highlighting the importance of education and prevention in tackling this health-and-wellness issue.
