A long-term investigation led to the arrest of an alleged major fentanyl trafficker in Arcadia and the seizure of millions of potentially deadly doses of fentanyl, California Attorney General Rob Bonta announced Thursday.
“We have arrested another fentanyl trafficker who was poisoning our communities and profiting off addiction,” Bonta said in a statement.
Authorities said the fentanyl haul amounted to an estimated 8.5 million potentially lethal doses with a street value of at least $1.3 million. They also seized 17 kilograms of powder fentanyl, one kilogram of cocaine, and a handgun during the operation.
Authorities said the suspect was arrested while transporting fentanyl and cocaine believed to have originated in Mexico.
The Department of Justice said charges include possession for sale of a controlled substance, transportation of a controlled substance and possession of a controlled substance while armed.
Parents of teens and young people gathered to convey how dangerous fentanyl is after their children were killed in accidental overdoses. Tony Shin reports Nov. 9, 2021.
Bonta said the case reflects broader efforts to combat the fentanyl epidemic in California and across the nation.
“This fight is about more than one criminal,” Bonta said. “It is about confronting the fentanyl epidemic that has devastated families across our nation.
Since April 2022, the California Department of Justice said it has seized about 17.3 million fentanyl pills and more than 7,100 pounds of powder fentanyl and made more than 621 fentanyl-related arrests statewide.
“If you traffic fentanyl, we will find you, we will prosecute you, and we will hold you accountable to the fullest extent of the law,” said Bonta.
In 2023, the department created its Fentanyl Enforcement Program to target fentanyl distribution organizations operating throughout California. The program includes enforcement teams based in San Diego, Los Angeles and Dublin, California.