Golden State Today

California Attorney General Rob Bonta has provided an update on efforts to combat the fentanyl epidemic at the Mexico-California border. The Fentanyl Abatement and Suppression Team (FAST) seized over 135 kilograms of fentanyl in 2024, resulting in 44 federal arrests and 96 state arrests. The California Department of Justice (DOJ) joined FAST in 2023, collaborating with the U.S. Attorney’s Office (USAO), Homeland Security Investigations (HSI), and other agencies to target fentanyl trafficking through the Southern Border into San Diego County.

"California is fully committed to tackling the fentanyl crisis and ensuring the safety of our communities," said Attorney General Rob Bonta. He emphasized the danger of fentanyl being hidden in everyday drugs and encouraged Californians, especially young people, to avoid it. Bonta expressed confidence in FAST's efforts to disrupt fentanyl flow into California.

Shawn Gibson, Special Agent In Charge for HSI San Diego, credited FAST's success to its partners' commitment to stopping deadly drugs. "We've witnessed fentanyl claim lives not just through overdose but through the slow erosion of hope, health, and humanity," he said.

U.S. Attorney Tara McGrath noted a decline in deaths caused by fentanyl for the first time in 2023 due to targeting distribution networks and expanding awareness efforts. "Fentanyl is a dangerous poison that leaves death in its wake, but our collective efforts are making a difference," she stated.

FAST focuses on halting fentanyl influx from the California-Mexico border by targeting offenders with criminal backgrounds and prosecuting those involved in trafficking near vulnerable locations like schools or military facilities. Formed in September 2022, FAST operates under the San Diego Imperial Valley High Intensity Drug Trafficking Area initiative.

Attorney General Bonta employs a multifaceted approach using enforcement, litigation, and public policy strategies for prevention. Since April 2022, DOJ has seized over 13 million fentanyl pills and made more than 374 arrests related to fentanyl. This includes a notable arrest leading to California's first homicide conviction against a dealer for providing a lethal dose that resulted in a teenager's death.

More details on Attorney General Bonta’s strategies can be found at oag.ca.gov/fentanyl.