San Joaquin County - In response to the alarming rise in fentanyl-related issues, the San Joaquin County Board of Supervisors made history by unanimously approving the establishment of the first-ever Fentanyl Intervention and Response Safety Team (F.I.R.S.T Unit) within the District Attorney's Office.
Fentanyl, a synthetic opioid known to be 50 to 100 times more potent than heroin or morphine, has been wreaking havoc in the county, causing a surge in fatal and non-fatal overdoses. San Joaquin County Public Health Services highlights the severity of this crisis, prompting decisive action from local authorities.
The F.I.R.S.T Unit comprises a dedicated team, including three deputy district attorneys, two investigators, a crime analyst, and a victim advocate. Their mission will be to combat fentanyl-related issues, targeting both the dealers and the problems arising from this dangerous drug.
District Attorney Ron Freitas expressed the urgency of the situation during the meeting, emphasizing the devastating impact fentanyl inflicts on the community. He vowed that the newly formed unit would employ early intervention strategies, organizing rallies at high schools and launching a public information campaign. The team will also focus on investigating overdose cases to identify potential hotspots and collaborate with local, state, and federal task forces to prosecute major traffickers.
In 2021 alone, the county witnessed over 60 fatal fentanyl overdoses, with fire departments responding to five times that number of non-fatal incidents. This startling statistic propelled the county to take proactive measures to combat the opioid crisis.
Freitas shared significant figures during the meeting, revealing that the county seized an astonishing 982,000 doses or pills of fentanyl in 2022, weighing over 20 pounds. Additionally, his office reviewed 293 cases related to fentanyl from June of the previous year until now, resulting in various charges and actions taken against those involved in the distribution and abuse of the drug.
The establishment of the F.I.R.S.T Unit and the addition of 11 staffing positions, along with operational costs, amounted to $2.25 million. When questioned about the ongoing expenses to maintain the unit, Freitas firmly asserted that the investment was essential to prevent an increasing number of overdoses, with the potential to save countless lives in the future.
Support for the initiative was evident during the meeting, with Assemblyman Carlos Villapudua, D-Stockton, and Stockton Mayor Kevin Lincoln voicing their approval and encouragement for the team's creation.
With the F.I.R.S.T Unit now in place, San Joaquin County takes a significant step forward in combating the fentanyl crisis and safeguarding its residents from the devastating consequences of opioid abuse.
