California: Cal Guard Counterdrug Task Force seizes more than 9.5 million pills with fentanyl
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~ In a continued effort to combat the illegal drug trade, the California National Guard's (Cal Guard) Counterdrug Task Force has seized over 9.5 million pills containing fentanyl at California's ports of entry since January 2024. This announcement was made by Governor Gavin Newsom on October 1, 2024.

According to Governor Newsom, the Cal Guard's Counterdrug Task Force has been instrumental in keeping dangerous and illicit drugs out of California communities. He expressed his gratitude to the Cal Guard for their efforts in making neighborhoods safer.

Since January, the Cal Guard's Counterdrug Task Force has seized over 5,000 pounds of fentanyl powder and 9.6 million pills containing fentanyl, with a total estimated street value of $43 million. These seizures have been made possible through the deployment of nearly 400 service members at California ports of entry.

Governor Newsom has been actively addressing the opioid crisis in California and has taken aggressive action to end the fentanyl and opioid crisis. In June, he doubled down on the deployment of the Cal Guard's Counterdrug Task Force by increasing the number of service members interdicting drugs at ports of entry from 155 to nearly 400.

Last year, Governor Newsom also increased the number of Cal Guard service members deployed to interdict drugs at California ports of entry along the border by approximately 50%. Fentanyl is primarily smuggled into the country by U.S. citizens through ports of entry.

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The coordinated drug interdiction efforts by Cal Guard have resulted in a record seizure of 62,224 pounds of fentanyl in 2023 – a significant increase from previous years. These efforts are funded in part by California's $60 million investment over four years to expand Cal Guard's work in preventing drug trafficking by transnational criminal organizations.

To further address fentanyl within California, Governor Newsom has also cracked down on its distribution in communities across the state, including San Francisco. The Governor's Master Plan for Tackling the Fentanyl and Opioid Crisis provides a comprehensive framework to deepen the impact of these investments.

In addition, California has launched opioids.ca.gov, a one-stop tool for Californians seeking resources for prevention and treatment of opioid addiction. The state is also working to hold Big Pharma and drug traffickers accountable in this crisis.

To educate Californians on the dangers of fentanyl and how to prevent overdoses and deaths, the state has launched the Facts Fight Fentanyl campaign. This effort will provide critical information about fentanyl and life-saving tools such as naloxone.

As part of Governor Newsom's Master Plan for Tackling the Fentanyl and Opioid Crisis, over-the-counter CalRx®-branded naloxone is now becoming available across the state. Through the Naloxone Distribution Project (NDP), CalRx®-branded over-the-counter (OTC) naloxone HCL nasal spray, 4 mg, will be available for free to eligible organizations through the state or for sale for $24 per twin-pack through Amneal.

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In support of President Biden's bilateral cooperation agreement with China on counternarcotics, Governor Newsom spoke with Chinese President Xi Jinping in October about combating the transnational shipping of precursor chemicals used to create fentanyl.

In other news, Governor Newsom signed AB 179 in his final act of this year's regular legislative session. This legislation creates new tools for the state to set aside a portion of anticipated surplus funds in future fiscal years, promoting fiscal responsibility and budget stability.

The California Highway Patrol (CHP) also celebrated a milestone this year – 50 years since women began serving in the department. In 1974, the first women participated in CHP's cadet program, paving the way for many more women officers to follow. This achievement was recognized by Governor Newsom, who commended the CHP for breaking barriers and promoting diversity within the department.

Overall, Governor Newsom's administration has been actively working towards creating a safer and more responsible California, with a focus on addressing the fentanyl and opioid crisis. The efforts of the Cal Guard's Counterdrug Task Force and other state agencies have been crucial in this fight against illegal drugs.

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