California Governor Gavin Newsom recently announced that California seized a new record amount of fentanyl in 2023. According to new data, law enforcement seized 62,224 pounds of fentanyl.
The governor’s statement also revealed that these seizures occurred throughout the state of California, as well as at the state’s ports of entry. In recent years, California has made a concerted effort to increase fentanyl seizures.
A Mass Amount Of Fentanyl Seized
In a new statement, Newsom revealed this new record of fentanyl seized in a year for California. Compared to 2023’s 62,224 pounds of fentanyl, 2022 saw about 28,765 pounds seized by law enforcement.
2023’s new record is also a 1066% increase since 2021. Fentanyl has become one of the deadliest drugs in the U.S., and many states are working to stop its illegal sale in the country.
Newsom Reveals Fentanyl Seizures
The California governor revealed his intent to continue to eliminate fentanyl from the California community, something he has stated he would do since at least 2019.
“Fentanyl is a poison, and it does not belong in our communities,” his statement said. “California is cracking down – increasing seizures, expanding access to substance abuse treatment, and holding drug traffickers accountable to combat the immeasurable harm opioids have caused our communities.”
Fentanyl Seized Could Kill Global Population “Twice Over”
Fentanyl has become an incredibly lethal drug in the U.S., as it’s about 50 times stronger than heroin. It’s also said to be 100 times stronger than morphine. Because of its high potency, a lethal dose of fentanyl is only 2 mg.
In the news release of this massive seizure, it was revealed that this high amount of fentanyl has the capacity to kill the entire global population almost twice over.
California’s National Guard Continues To Seize Drugs
As fentanyl has increasingly become a problem in the U.S., many states around the country have tried to accurately deal with it. In recent years, Newsom has sent the California National Guard to various spots in California to deal with this crisis.
As a result, the state’s National Guard has continued to make huge seizures since 2021 alone. Newsom and other state officials will likely see that this continues to happen.
Newsom Increasing California National Guard’s Presence
As the fight to stop fentanyl is ongoing in California, Newsom could choose to send the National Guard to even more areas. In late 2023, he increased the presence of the state’s National Guard at the border to try to stop smugglers from bringing the lethal drug over.
Almost one year ago, the California governor also sent guardsmen to San Francisco. Highway Patrol members were also sent to the city to try to stop the trafficking of the drug.
$1 Billion Has Been Invested In Stopping Fentanyl
According to Newsom’s latest statement release, he has invested more than $1 billion in his fight to stop fentanyl since 2019 alone.
Since becoming governor, Newsom has made a concerted effort to limit the massive amount of fentanyl trafficking seen in the state. However, he has also invested in helping Californians who have been affected by the lethal drug.
The National Guard In California’s Statement
The California National Guard has also released a statement upon the release of this record-breaking news.
“The California National Guard is committed to combatting the scourge of fentanyl,” Major General Matthew P. Beever, Adjutant General of the California National Guard, said. “These extraordinary seizure statistics are a direct reflection of the tireless efforts of the highly trained CalGuard Service Members supporting law enforcement agencies statewide.”
Fentanyl Deaths Rise
In the last decade, deaths as a result of fentanyl overdoses have risen astronomically across the United States. The CDC has said that these deaths have risen more than deaths from injecting drugs such as heroin.
While many states have a fentanyl trafficking problem, California has a large issue thanks to its border with Mexico, as well as its many points of entry.
Newsom Faces Republican Critics
Many Republican politicians in California — and elsewhere in the country — have taken aim at Newsom for the fentanyl crisis in the state. Some Republicans in California have called on him to do more to stop fentanyl from getting into the state through the southern border.
Though Newsom has made moves to limit the trafficking of this lethal drug, his critics don’t believe he’s doing nearly enough.
Newsom Taking On Crime
In the past few years, Newsom has increasingly taken a tough-on-crime approach, even though critics still want him to do more. In 2023, he called for harsher punishments to be given to drug dealers who sell xylazine, a veterinary tranquilizer often called “tranq.”
This drug is often mixed with fentanyl. Newsom even said that this drug should be illegalized for everybody but veterinarians.
California Creating Life-Saving Drugs
In 2023, Newsom also announced his intent to allow the state to work with partners to create their own supply of Naloxone nasal products. Naloxone is a life-saving drug that can reverse the effects of opioid overdoses.
“One more fatal overdose is one too many. California is tackling the opioid epidemic from all sides,” said Newsom. “Naloxone is, quite literally, a lifesaver – so we are making it more accessible and affordable for anyone who needs it.”
California Creating Life-Saving Drugs
In 2023, Newsom also announced his intent to allow the state to work with partners to create their own supply of Naloxone nasal products. Naloxone is a life-saving drug that can reverse the effects of opioid overdoses.
“One more fatal overdose is one too many. California is tackling the opioid epidemic from all sides,” said Newsom. “Naloxone is, quite literally, a lifesaver – so we are making it more accessible and affordable for anyone who needs it.”
