In a major drug bust, LAPD seized over 50 pounds of fentanyl, emphasizing the severe drug crisis in Los Angeles.
At a Glance
- Over 50 pounds of fentanyl and nine pounds of heroin were seized.
- The estimated street value of the drugs is over $4 million.
- The fentanyl was enough to potentially kill 11 million people.
- Jose Alberto Soto was arrested; investigation near downtown LA led to this breakthrough.
Drug Seizure Details
Authorities executed a search warrant in South Los Angeles, uncovering over 50 pounds of powdered fentanyl and nine pounds of black tar heroin. The Los Angeles Police Department, using DEA figures, estimated the street value of this seizure to exceed $4 million. The fentanyl’s lethality, enough to potentially kill 11 million people, underscores the urgent threat this synthetic opioid poses.
Jose Alberto Soto, 28, was arrested on suspicion of trafficking in the deadly substance, and is being held without bail. Law enforcement conducted the seizure as part of a targeted narcotics investigation in the Florence-Graham neighborhood, which also led to the confiscation of $14,500 in cash. This operation highlights the LAPD’s ongoing efforts to combat the city’s drug crisis.
@lapdcentral Narcotics Enforcement Detail, @LAPDRampart NED and Cent GIT, conducted a search warrant which resulted in a seizure of 50 lbs of #fentanyl & 9 pounds of #heroin. That’s over $4 million street value & enough to kill 11 million people. pic.twitter.com/0awRxBP8wF
— LAPD Central Division (@LAPDCentral) October 17, 2024
Impact and Reaction
The seizure shed light on the broader fentanyl crisis affecting not only Los Angeles but the state of California. In 2023 alone, California seized a record 62,224 pounds of fentanyl, reflecting a 1066% increase since 2021. These figures illuminate the scale of the problem and the state’s extensive efforts, supported by the California National Guard, to tackle drug trafficking.
“Fentanyl is a poison, and it does not belong in our communities. California is cracking down – increasing seizures, expanding access to substance abuse treatment, and holding drug traffickers accountable to combat the immeasurable harm opioids have caused our communities.” said Governor Gavin Newsom.
The unprecedented amount of fentanyl seized this year could, theoretically, pose a threat to the global population nearly twice over. This grim statistic emphasizes the critical need for rigorous enforcement and public awareness initiatives to mitigate further damage from synthetic opioids.
Conclusion
The LAPD’s recent seizure is a significant step in the fight against the pervasive drug epidemic in Los Angeles. Fentanyl, a synthetic opioid stronger than heroin and morphine, has legitimate medical uses but is frequently misused with deadly consequences, as evidenced by nearly 75,000 overdose deaths last year.
“The California National Guard is committed to combatting the scourge of fentanyl,” said Major General Matthew P. Beevers, Adjutant General of the California National Guard. “These extraordinary seizure statistics are a direct reflection of the tireless efforts of the highly trained CalGuard Service Members supporting law enforcement agencies statewide.”
As California continues to invest in comprehensive strategies targeting drug trafficking and opioid misuse, this latest development is a pivotal stride in addressing an urgent public health crisis.
