California seized a staggering 62,000 pounds of fentanyl last year, enough to potentially kill the global population nearly twice over, according to Governor Gavin Newsom’s office. This significant amount of the potent synthetic opioid was confiscated by authorities in 2023, highlighting the ongoing battle against drug trafficking and substance abuse in the state.

Throughout the year, the California National Guard, in collaboration with other law enforcement agencies, conducted extensive counter-drug operations across the state. The efforts led to the record-breaking seizure of fentanyl at ports of entry, marking a significant increase from previous years. The exact means of smuggling and the form in which the fentanyl was shipped remain unclear.

Comparing the seizure statistics from recent years reveals a dramatic surge in the amount of fentanyl intercepted by authorities. In 2021, California seized over 5,300 pounds of the drug, valued at $64 million. By 2022, the amount had risen to 28,000 pounds, with a street value of $230 million. This upward trend culminated in the confiscation of a total of 62,000 pounds of fentanyl in 2023, estimated to be worth approximately $670 million.

The precise reasons behind the substantial increase in seized fentanyl are still under investigation. It remains uncertain whether the surge can be attributed to enhanced law enforcement efforts or if drug traffickers escalated their smuggling activities. Regardless, California has intensified its crackdown on the illicit drug trade.

Newsom emphasized the dangers of fentanyl, labeling it as a poison that has no place in communities. The state’s comprehensive approach involves not only increasing drug seizures but also expanding access to substance abuse treatment and holding drug traffickers accountable for the harm caused by opioids.

The California National Guard’s role in counter-drug operations has expanded significantly over the past year. More service members have been deployed along the border and in urban areas to support law enforcement agencies in combating high-intensity drug trafficking. The heightened vigilance aims to curb the influx of deadly substances like fentanyl into the state.

The Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) underscores the lethal potency of fentanyl, noting that just 2 milligrams of the substance can be fatal. In 2022, over 110,000 deaths in the U.S. were attributed to drug poisonings, with approximately 70% linked to fentanyl. The DEA characterizes the current situation as an unprecedented drug poisoning epidemic gripping the nation.

In response to the alarming trend, federal authorities have been actively targeting the production and distribution of fentanyl-laced counterfeit pills. The DEA reported seizing nearly 80 million fake pills and close to 12,000 pounds of fentanyl powder in 2023, as part of ongoing efforts to stem the tide of illicit drug sales. The prevalence of fake pills containing fentanyl highlights the need for heightened vigilance and enforcement actions.

In Los Angeles County, fentanyl has emerged as the leading cause of overdose deaths, surpassing methamphetamine in 2022. The opioid was implicated in approximately 60% of accidental drug or alcohol-related deaths, with disproportionate impacts on the Black community in Los Angeles. The troubling statistics underscore the urgent need for comprehensive strategies to address the opioid crisis at both local and national levels.