Avenues Recovery, leading addiction rehabilitation specialists, recounts the historic California drug bust of ‘22. Read on to glean all the details about this infamous bust.
What Was Seized at the California Drug Bust of ‘22?
Approximately one million illicit fentanyl-laced pills were seized by the DEA in a historic drug bust on July 5th, 2022.
A Well-Coordinated DEA Drug Bust
The fentanyl seizure was executed by the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration Los Angeles Field Division High-Intensity Drug Trafficking Area (HIDTA) Group 48, in conjunction with the DEA New York Division Tactical Diversion Squad and Hawthorne Police Department. Investigations began back in May 2022 after suspicions arose regarding a Los Angeles-based drug trafficking organization. The LA-based drug ring seemed to have ties to the infamous Mexican Sinaloa Cartel – widely believed to be the most powerful criminal drug trafficking organization in the Western Hemisphere.
Fentanyl Drug Bust in Southern California: The Details
The California drug bust of 2022 uncovered a well-oiled drug smuggling organization. Upon investigation, the DEA successfully identified various Southern California narcotics couriers and stash house managers who were distributing narcotics to other local drug dealers. Los Angeles and its environs have long served as a major drug distribution hub due to both their proximity to the southwestern U.S.-Mexican border, and its efficient and well-developed transportation network. Bulk narcotic shipments are smuggled through the border into LA, stored in local warehouses, storage units, or homes, broken down into smaller quantities – and then distributed to local dealers, or transported to other states within the U.S.
Where and When Was the Fentanyl Drug Bust in California ‘22?
In advance of the California fentanyl drug bust, a federal search warrant was issued on July 5th, 2022, for an Inglewood, California residence believed to be a large drug distribution point. The search resulted in the seizure of approximately 1 million fentanyl-laced pills made to look like legitimate prescription medications. The contraband was destined for retail distribution, with an estimated street value of 15 to 20 million dollars.
What Is Fentanyl?
Fentanyl is an incredibly potent analgesic legally prescribed to treat severe or chronic pain, but widely diverted and recreated for misuse and abuse. According to the DEA, “Criminal drug cartels in Mexico are mass-producing illicit fentanyl and fake pills pressed with fentanyl in filthy, clandestine, unregulated labs. These fake pills are designed to look like real prescription pills right down to the size, shape, color, and stamping.” According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), over 107,000 people have died in the U.S. of drug overdose or poisoning – a frightening and ever-increasing number.
The Effects of the California Drug Bust of ‘22
“This massive seizure disrupted the flow of dangerous amounts of fentanyl into our streets and undoubtedly saved many lives,” DEA Special Agent in Charge Bill Bodner told the press. “The deceptive marketing, coupled with the ease of accessibility, makes these small and seemingly innocuous pills a significant threat to the health and safety of all our communities. A staggering number of teens and young adults are unaware that they are ingesting fentanyl in these fake pills and are being poisoned.”
The DEA stated that the investigation into this drug trafficking organization is still ongoing.
Over 3 million fentanyl pills were seized by the LA offices of the DEA in 2021 – nearly a three-fold increase from 2020. 1.5 million fentanyl pills were seized by the DEA of LA in the first four months of 2022 alone – a 64% increase from the same period last year.
After the California Drug Bust ‘22: A Path Forward
Illicit fentanyl is a growing crisis in communities across the U.S., despite concerted efforts to increase awareness, enforcement, and treatment programs. The DEA issued an impassioned warning and reminder to the public that any pills purchased outside of a licensed pharmacy are completely illegal, dangerous, and possibly lethal. The only safe medications are those prescribed by a licensed, accredited medical professional, and dispensed by a legitimate pharmacist.
The California drug bust of 2022 served as a wake-up call for many people. If you, or someone you love, is struggling with a substance abuse disorder, help is available. Avenues Recovery helps thousands of people along their journey to recovery. Contact us today to start your better life.