Golden State Today

The California Highway Patrol (CHP) recently executed two significant traffic stops on Interstate 5 in the Central Valley, resulting in the seizure of fentanyl valued at nearly $1.7 million. This operation led to the arrest of three out-of-state suspects, one of whom attempted to hide fentanyl inside packages of raw beef.

Governor Gavin Newsom commented on the seizures, stating, "Throughout the state, California continues the tough work to get deadly and illegal drugs off our streets. I am proud of the efforts by our CHP officers here to help keep our community safe and hold drug peddlers accountable."

On October 3, a traffic stop in Fresno County revealed a cooler containing multiple packages of carne asada beef concealing 11 pounds of fentanyl worth approximately $500,000. The suspect involved was from Washington State and faced felony charges for possession and transportation of fentanyl.

The following day, another operation in Merced County uncovered around 120,000 fentanyl-laced pills along with two handguns during a traffic stop in Los Banos. The estimated street value of these drugs was $1.2 million. Two more suspects from Washington were arrested on various felony charges.

California is intensifying its efforts against the opioid crisis through Governor Newsom’s Master Plan for Tackling the Fentanyl and Opioid Crisis. This plan includes measures such as overdose prevention support, accountability for pharmaceutical companies, and heightened awareness about opioid dangers.

Additionally, Governor Newsom expanded the Cal Guard’s Counterdrug Task Force earlier this year. This expansion increased personnel from 155 to nearly 400 service members working at California ports to intercept fentanyl and other drugs. Since January 2024, this task force has seized over 5,000 pounds of fentanyl powder and millions of pills containing fentanyl valued at over $43 million.

The state also launched opioids.ca.gov as a resource for Californians seeking information on prevention and treatment related to opioids. Over-the-counter naloxone is becoming available across California through initiatives like the Naloxone Distribution Project (NDP), providing free access or affordable purchase options statewide.