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Poison Pill: San Diego's Battle Against Fentanyl

NBC 7 San Diego・44 minutes read

San Diego County faces a crisis with fentanyl trafficking, leading to numerous overdoses, including deaths of young individuals, highlighting the need for increased awareness, resources, and education on fentanyl to combat the issue effectively. Efforts from law enforcement, researchers, and social media companies aim to prevent drug exposure and improve access to treatment for individuals struggling with fentanyl addiction.

Insights

  • Fentanyl is a prevalent and dangerous drug in San Diego County, with a high rate of overdose deaths, especially among young adults and teenagers, leading to a public health crisis declaration in the area.
  • Law enforcement agencies, such as the DEA and CBP, are struggling to combat the influx of fentanyl due to sophisticated trafficking methods, high availability, and the drug's deadly nature, necessitating increased efforts and resources to address the crisis effectively and prevent further tragedies.

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Recent questions

  • What is fentanyl?

    A potent opioid linked to numerous overdose deaths.

  • How is fentanyl disguised?

    Often as pharmaceutical painkillers or candy-like pills.

  • What are the dangers of fentanyl addiction?

    High overdose risks and potential death.

  • How is fentanyl trafficked?

    Through intricate methods and concealment in vehicles.

  • How can fentanyl overdoses be reversed?

    Through the administration of Narcan or naloxone.

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Summary

00:00

Fentanyl Crisis in San Diego County

  • Team 10 responds to a call in San Diego County regarding a drug overdose, finding fentanyl in the apartment where the person died.
  • San Diego County is a national epicenter for fentanyl trafficking, with more fentanyl seized at the border than at any other port of entry in the U.S.
  • Fentanyl is the primary opioid of choice for 95% of patients diagnosed with opioid use disorder.
  • Fentanyl is often disguised as pharmaceutical-grade painkillers like oxycodone or in rainbow-colored pills resembling candy to attract teens.
  • Fentanyl is mixed with various drugs, leading to overdoses, with 12 kids under 17 dying from fentanyl overdose in 2021.
  • Fentanyl is declared a public health crisis in San Diego due to its prevalence and impact on young adults.
  • Connor White, a good student and athlete, died from a fentanyl overdose, showcasing the unexpected nature of fentanyl-related deaths.
  • Zeke Lopez battled fentanyl addiction, leading to his death, despite his family's efforts to help him.
  • Isaac, Zeke's stepbrother, shares his experience with fentanyl addiction, highlighting the dangers and prevalence of the drug.
  • Fentanyl availability and affordability have increased, with pills being cheaper than cigarettes and readily accessible in San Diego due to its proximity to the border.

17:45

"DEA Struggles with Fentanyl Trafficking Crisis"

  • Shelly Howe is the agent in charge of all DEA operations in San Diego and Imperial counties.
  • The DEA is facing challenges due to the overwhelming amount of drugs coming in from cartels and drug dealers.
  • Despite efforts at all levels, the DEA is struggling due to the high volume of drugs entering through the busiest port of entry in the world.
  • In June, the DEA seized 600,000 pills, indicating a significant issue with drug trafficking.
  • In 2021, the DEA seized 20.4 million fake pills, and U.S. Customs and Border Protection seized 5091 pounds of Fentanyl in San Diego and Imperial counties.
  • Officer Wilson Porter Carrero showed the extensive operations at the San Ysidro Port of Entry, where 24/7 CBP agents search for Fentanyl and other drugs.
  • Drug trafficking organizations use intricate methods to conceal narcotics in vehicles, including baby carriages and diapers.
  • Fentanyl continues to get through despite multi-layered enforcement strategies, leading to deadly consequences.
  • The DEA found that 6 out of 10 seized pills contain a potentially lethal dose of Fentanyl.
  • The San Diego County Medical Examiner's office has seen a significant increase in fentanyl-related overdose deaths, emphasizing the severity of the issue.

33:15

Social Media Drug Sales Target Children, Pose Risks

  • Drug sellers use creative ads, including ones with popular characters like SpongeBob, to showcase their products.
  • Some drug dealers engage in direct messaging on social media platforms to offer drugs.
  • Drug dealers now accept payments through apps and arrange deliveries to people's homes.
  • Drug dealers have reviews, tracking numbers, and multiple social media accounts for marketing.
  • Children are at high risk of exposure to drug-related content, especially through hashtags.
  • Efforts are being made by Professor Mackey's research group, authorities, and social media companies to prevent exposure to drug content.
  • Fentanyl has become a significant public health emergency due to its addictive nature and potency.
  • Fentanyl users have increased drastically, with many unknowingly consuming it and facing overdose risks.
  • Narcan, or naloxone, is crucial in reversing fentanyl overdoses by binding to opioid receptors.
  • Harm reduction strategies, like distributing Narcan and testing strips, aim to keep drug users alive for treatment opportunities.

47:49

Overcoming barriers to drug addiction treatment

  • Accessing treatment for drug addiction can be challenging due to various barriers such as the need for assessments by counselors and therapists, highlighting the importance of breaking down these obstacles to provide better care for patients.
  • The fentanyl crisis is a significant issue impacting communities, emphasizing the need for increased resources, attention, and education on fentanyl to combat the crisis effectively, with a focus on starting conversations early to address addiction.
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