
California Highway Patrol seizes $1.7 million worth of fentanyl in two traffic stops, including pills hidden in raw beef.
At a Glance
- Nearly $1.7 million worth of fentanyl seized in two traffic stops on I-5 in early October
- 11 pounds of fentanyl hidden in raw beef discovered in Fresno County
- 120,000 fentanyl-laced pills worth $1.2 million seized in Merced County
- Three Washington residents arrested in connection with the seizures
- California intensifies efforts to combat fentanyl trafficking and opioid crisis
Major Drug Busts on California’s Interstate 5
In a significant blow to drug trafficking operations, California Highway Patrol (CHP) officers intercepted nearly $1.7 million worth of fentanyl during two separate traffic stops on Interstate 5 in the Central Valley. The operations, conducted in early October, underscore the state’s heightened efforts to combat the ongoing opioid crisis.
The first seizure occurred on October 3 in Fresno County, where officers discovered 11 pounds of fentanyl ingeniously concealed within packages of raw beef. This haul, valued at approximately $500,000, led to the arrest of a suspect from Washington state, who was subsequently booked into Fresno County Jail.
Recently the @CHP_HQ seized 11 pounds of fentanyl valued at $1.7M and arrested three out-of-state suspects — including one who tried smuggling drugs inside packages of raw beef.
California is laser-focused on keeping communities safe.
🔗 Read more: https://t.co/CHDxeKJBjY pic.twitter.com/inYG7K5lK5
— California Governor (@CAgovernor) October 8, 2024
Second Seizure Yields Massive Pill Haul
Just a day later, on October 4, CHP officers made an even larger discovery in Merced County. This time, they seized a staggering 120,000 fentanyl-laced pills with an estimated street value of $1.2 million. The operation also resulted in the recovery of two handguns and the arrest of two additional Washington residents, who now face multiple felony charges.
“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.” – Governor Gavin Newsom
Governor Gavin Newsom’s statement reflects the state’s commitment to tackling the fentanyl crisis head-on. California has ramped up its efforts by deploying approximately 250 additional service members at state entry ports since June, demonstrating a proactive approach to intercepting drug shipments before they reach communities.
The Devastating Impact of Fentanyl
The gravity of the fentanyl crisis is underscored by alarming statistics. Over 40% of American adults report knowing someone who has died from an overdose. In 2022 alone, more than 109,000 overdose deaths were reported in the United States, with synthetic opioids like fentanyl being the primary culprit.
California’s aggressive stance against fentanyl trafficking is part of Governor Newsom’s comprehensive Master Plan to combat the opioid crisis. This multi-faceted approach includes overdose prevention strategies, holding the pharmaceutical industry accountable, and intensifying drug trafficking crackdowns.
The state’s efforts have yielded significant results. Since January 2024, the California National Guard’s Counterdrug Task Force has seized over 5,000 pounds of fentanyl powder and 9.6 million fentanyl pills, with an estimated value exceeding $43 million. These figures highlight the scale of the problem and the critical importance of continued vigilance.
Community Resources and Prevention Efforts
In addition to law enforcement efforts, California has launched opioids.ca.gov, a comprehensive resource for prevention and treatment information. The state is also making over-the-counter CalRx®-branded naloxone widely available to help combat opioid overdoses.
As the fight against fentanyl continues, these recent seizures on Interstate 5 serve as a stark reminder of the ongoing challenges faced by law enforcement and communities alike. The innovative tactics employed by drug traffickers, such as hiding fentanyl in raw beef, underscore the need for constant vigilance and adaptability in drug interdiction efforts.
Sources:
- Police seize $500,000 of fentanyl concealed in carne asada beef at California traffic stop
- A meaty haul: CHP seizes $1.7 million worth of fentanyl in less than a week — including in raw beef
- In Fresno County, CHP seizes fentanyl found stuffed in carne asada