The Merced County District Attorney\u2019s Office has filed murder charges against San Jose resident Raymond Jose Claudillo, who is accused of dealing the fentanyl that caused three fatal overdoses in Los Banos.<\/p>\n
Fentanyl is a potent synthetic opioid, like morphine or heroin. Although it is used in medical settings, the National Institute of Health warns that \u201cmost of the fentanyl contributing to the current overdose crisis is made illegally.\u201d Additionally, fentanyl is stronger than many other opioid drugs, and even a small amount can be fatal.<\/p>\n
The overdoses occurred March 16 and were investigated by the Los Banos Police Department and the Merced Area Gang and Narcotics Enforcement Team, according to a news release from the DA\u2019s Office.<\/p>\n
Claudillo\u2019s arraignment had been scheduled for Thursday afternoon in Merced Superior Court but was continued to May 29 in Los Banos court.<\/p>\n
According to the District Attorney\u2019s Office, \u201cThe case underscores a clear message that those who knowingly distribute fentanyl causing death will be prosecuted to the fullest extent of the law. The District Attorney\u2019s Office, together with law enforcement partners, is prioritizing efforts to identify, investigate and prosecute those who traffic fentanyl.\u201d<\/p>\n