Golden State Today

SAN DIEGO — California Attorney General Rob Bonta, along with various law enforcement agencies, recently focused on addressing the concerning rise in fentanyl trafficking along the California-Mexico border. The increased seizures of fentanyl at the border have raised alarms, with a substantial amount being intercepted at California Ports of Entry.

During the visit, Attorney General Bonta emphasized the seriousness of the situation, stating, "Today, I want to remind Californians that our work won’t stop until the deaths from illicit fentanyl do." U.S. Attorney Tara McGrath echoed this sentiment, highlighting the aggressive stance against those involved in the distribution of fentanyl, saying, "Fentanyl is everywhere and it is killing people."

The San Diego Imperial Valley HIDTA, which works closely with law enforcement agencies to combat drug trafficking, expressed its commitment to addressing the surge in Fentanyl seizures along the California Southwest Border. HIDTA Director David King stated, "The California Department of Justice/Bureau of Investigation is committed to providing personnel and resources to HIDTA task forces specifically designed to investigate and prosecute those transnational criminal organizations responsible for trafficking fentanyl."

Sidney K. Aki, Director of Field Operations for the San Diego Field Office, emphasized the need for collaboration to combat the fentanyl epidemic, stating, "The alarming increase in fentanyl seizures over the past four years underscores the urgent need for cooperation with our partner agencies to disrupt this deadly flow."

The efforts to combat the fentanyl crisis include the California Department of Justice’s Fentanyl Enforcement Program, which has already made significant progress in seizing fentanyl pills, fentanyl powder, and arresting suspects involved in fentanyl-related charges. These enforcement actions aim to dismantle criminal networks responsible for the trafficking and distribution of fentanyl across the region.

The joint operations and arrests related to fentanyl trafficking in various counties, including San Diego, Fresno, and Placer, demonstrate the ongoing commitment of law enforcement agencies to curb the spread of this deadly drug. Through these coordinated efforts, authorities are striving to save lives and protect communities from the devastating impact of the fentanyl epidemic.