Federal and local law enforcement officials say San Antonio’s drug problem has gotten worse. They cite an increase in overdoses and are looking for ways to fight it.
Now, they are teaming up to address it together.
On Monday, the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Western District of Texas and the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration said they are creating a task force that will investigate local drug overdose cases.
Justin Simmons, U.S. Attorney for the West District of Texas, said the new task force will allow agencies to “combine their efforts against the fentanyl problem,” and to help “sweep dangerous drugs off our streets.”
The Overdose Task Force includes the U.S. attorney’s office, DEA San Antonio Division, San Antonio Police Department, Bexar County Sheriff’s Office, UTSA Police Department, Texas Department of Public Safety, Immigration and Customs Enforcement Homeland Security Investigations, IRS Criminal Investigation and the FBI.
Officials could not immediately provide the number of local drug-related deaths this year. San Antonio Police Chief Jesse Salame said his department typically receives 150 calls per month for overdoses cases.
“Behind those calls is a person, a family and a community affected by dangerous drugs,” Salame said.
He said SAPD is assigning five detectives with experience in narcotics and homicide investigations to respond to overdose cases and provide leads to the task force.
He said the task force is part of a long-term goal to prevent crime by addressing its root causes.
“When we disrupt that supply and hold those responsible accountable, we’re not only addressing a quality of life issue, we’re also addressing an underlying driver of violence,” Salame said.
Simmons said the new task Force was initially formed to assist Homeland Security agents in a drug bust last week on the city’s West Side.
In that case, officers obtained search warrants for three homes in the 1000 block of Torreon St. after witnessing several drug deals. Officers raided the homes Thursday and took three people into custody, Simmons said.
Valerie Samaniego, 40, was charged with possession with intent to distribute 40 grams or more of fentanyl. Agents found just over 140 grams of fentanyl and a handgun hidden in the floorboards of a living room in one of the homes on Torreon Street, according to a criminal complaint. She faces up to 40 years in prison if convicted.
Alfredo Alejandro, 56, was charged with possession with intent to distribute 50 grams or more of a methamphetamine mixture. He also faces up to 40 years if convicted.
Alejandro Reyes was charged with possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine. He faces up to 20 years in prison if convicted.