The ongoing battle against fentanyl in California has led to substantial seizures this year, as state and federal forces amp up their efforts to curb the smuggling and distribution of this potent synthetic opioid. An astounding nearly 7 million fentanyl pills, along with 3,725 pounds of the drug in powder form, have been confiscated since January across the state — including at sensitive points like ports of entry along the southern border, according to the Governor's Office.

May proved to be a particularly busy month for law enforcement, with the California National Guard’s Counterdrug Task Force seizing 1,170,893 fentanyl pills and 986 pounds of fentanyl powder. As Governor Newsom put it, "California's robust partnerships to tackle illegal fentanyl are leading to significant results time and time again." Newsom's commitment is further echoed by doubling the deployment of CalGuard servicemembers in a directed stance against fentanyl smuggling, as noted by KTLA.

To complement the state's proactive steps, the launch of opioids.ca.gov provides a single-point resource for Californians seeking help for prevention, treatment and information on the state's strategies towards accountability for both pharmaceutical companies and drug traffickers. This initiative reinforces elements of Governor Newsom's Master Plan for combating the fentanyl and opioid crisis. This includes the distribution of over-the-counter CalRx®-branded naloxone, a life-saving medication used to reverse opioid overdoses, which is now increasingly available and affordable for those in need, as outlined in the Governor's Office release.