National Guard to assist Newsom in combating San Francisco fentanyl crisis

The agreement announced by the governor of California involves four agencies that will coordinate efforts to prosecute opioid traffickers and suppliers.

Published by

Santiago Ospital

April 22, 2023

1 minute read

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Governor Gavin Newsom announced a four-agency agreement to combat fentanyl trafficking in San Francisco, California.

The California Highway Patrol (CHP), California National Guard (CalGuard), San Francisco Police Department (SFPD) and San Francisco District Attorney's Office (SFDA) will take part in this initiative.

"Our Police Department and District Attorney have been partnering to increase enforcement, but our local agencies can use this support in their work to help make a difference for our City," said San Francisco Mayor London Breed, who also thanked the governor for his support.

The goal of the agreement is to prosecute traffickers and suppliers, not to criminalize consumers, according to a statement issued by the governor's office. In addition, the governor cited a study that ranks San Francisco second in overdoses and mortality in the country in 2020. The study gives the following information about this year:

San Francisco has seen an alarming rise in fentanyl-related deaths, with an increase of more than 40% in overdose deaths between January and March of this year alone.

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