California Traffic Stops Expose Drug Smuggling Attempts

California authorities uncovered a meaty scheme when fentanyl-laced pills were discovered hidden in raw beef packages during traffic stops in Fresno and Merced County.

At a Glance

Nearly $1.7 million worth of fentanyl and fentanyl-laced pills were seized in two California traffic stops in October.
11 pounds of fentanyl were found hidden in raw beef during the first seizure.
120,000 fentanyl-laced pills and two handguns were confiscated in the second seizure.
Three Washington residents were arrested in connection with the incidents.
California is intensifying efforts to combat fentanyl trafficking and the opioid crisis.

Beef-Wrapped Danger: California’s Recent Fentanyl Bust

California Highway Patrol (CHP) officers uncovered sinister drug smuggling schemes during two separate traffic stops in October. The incidents, which occurred in Fresno and Merced counties, resulted in the seizure of nearly $1.7 million worth of fentanyl, some of which was concealed in packages of raw beef.

The first seizure took place on October 3 in Fresno County, where a CHP K9 handler intercepted approximately 11 pounds of fentanyl hidden within raw beef packages. The drugs had an estimated street value of $500,000. A suspect from Washington was promptly arrested and booked into Fresno County Jail in connection with this incident.

Recently the @CHP_HQ seized 11 pounds of fentanyl valued at $1.7M and arrested three out-of-state suspects — including one who tried smuggling drugs inside packages of raw beef.

California is laser-focused on keeping communities safe.

🔗 Read more: https://t.co/CHDxeKJBjY pic.twitter.com/inYG7K5lK5

— California Governor (@CAgovernor) October 8, 2024

Second Seizure Amplifies Concerns

Just a day later, on October 4, CHP officers made another significant bust in Merced County. This time, they confiscated around 120,000 fentanyl-laced pills with an estimated value of $1.2 million. Additionally, two handguns were seized during this operation. Two more Washington residents were arrested and now face multiple felony charges.

“Throughout the state, California continues the tough work to get deadly and illegal drugs off our streets. I am proud of the efforts by our CHP officers here to help keep our community safe and hold drug peddlers accountable,” Newsom said when addressing the incidents.

These seizures underscore the escalating battle against fentanyl trafficking in California. Governor Gavin Newsom has praised the efforts of the CHP in combating illegal drug trade.

California’s Intensified Fight Against Fentanyl

The Golden State has ramped up its efforts to combat the fentanyl crisis. In June, Newsom announced plans to double the number of California National Guard service members across the state as well as at ports of entry.

The Cal Guard’s Counterdrug Task Force has seized over 5,000 pounds of fentanyl powder and 9.6 million fentanyl pills since January, with a combined value exceeding $43 million. In 2023, California seized approximately 62,000 pounds of fentanyl, coming out to about $670 million, demonstrating the scale of the ongoing crisis.

In response to the national crisis, California has launched opioids.ca.gov, a resource for prevention and treatment information. The state is also making over-the-counter CalRx®-branded naloxone available across California to help combat opioid overdoses. These initiatives, coupled with increased law enforcement efforts and accountability measures for the pharmaceutical industry, form part of California’s multi-pronged approach to tackling the opioid epidemic.

As California continues its battle against fentanyl trafficking, these recent seizures serve as a stark reminder of the innovative and dangerous methods employed by drug smugglers.