The California Highway Patrol (CHP) has confiscated over 40 pounds of fentanyl in a 10-block radius surrounding San Francisco’s Tenderloin neighborhood since May 1, 2023, as revealed by Governor Gavin Newsom’s office.
This substantial amount translates to an estimated nine million lethal doses of fentanyl, underscoring the severity of the opioid crisis in the area. The seizures are a result of the state’s collaborative efforts through a joint public safety partnership with the City of San Francisco, a strategy aimed at curbing illegal drug activities.
In conjunction with the operations, the CHP has issued more than 4,468 citations, leading to the arrest of 428 individuals engaged in various forms of illegal activities. Governor Newsom expressed the significance of these actions, stating, “We’re cleaning up San Francisco’s streets.”
Highlighting the cooperation between local, state, and federal law enforcement agencies, Newsom emphasized the commitment to ensuring the safety and security of every Californian. The San Francisco initiative involves multiple teams of officers deployed in the Tenderloin neighborhood and its adjacent areas, addressing the complex challenges associated with drug-related issues.
In response to the escalating opioid crisis, the state has taken additional measures, such as doubling the presence of CHP officers in San Francisco. This expansion facilitates the creation of a joint law enforcement task force dedicated to investigating opioid-related deaths and tackling the root causes of the crisis.
The CHP’s involvement extends to collaborative efforts with the Drug Enforcement Administration’s (DEA) “Operation Surge” and other locally-led operations targeting drug traffickers.