Massive Amount of Meth, Blue Fentanyl and Ecstasy Seized by San Diego Police

The San Diego Police Department recently pulled off a multi-part drug bust alongside the DEA Narcotics Task Force that led to the seizure of a massive amount of drugs. Included in the haul were 38 pounds of crystal meth and 41,000 blue fentanyl pills, usually sold deceptively as Oxycontin on the streets or online.

Drug Seizures in San Diego, Ports of Entry

San Diego investigators received confidential information about transporting certain dangerous drugs throughout the area. They paired with the FBI to seize the drugs and arrest the criminals delivering them.

In May, the law enforcement agencies seized nine pounds of crystal meth. In June, the 41,000 counterfeit fentanyl pills, often called blue fentanyl, were seized by police. And a final operation in June turned up 29 more pounds of meth and 600 ecstasy pills. 28-year-old Luis Solorzano-Bautista and 23-year-old Brandon Diaz were arrested, but charges have not yet been made public.

Counterfeit fentanyl pills are street pills that may be sold as something other than what they contain, which is fentanyl. Usually, these pills are blue and are made by an unknown, illicit manufacturer. While these pills often contain fentanyl alone, sometimes, they are made with a combination of drugs. For people who are not regular opioid users, blue fentanyl pills can cause an overdose that leads to death.

“We appreciate the hard work and dedication of our agents and partners on the Narcotics Task Force,” DEA Special Agent in Charge Shelly Howe said in a press release. “The partnerships between our agencies are critical to the success of removing drugs from the streets and holding those who sell the drugs accountable.”

Large Amounts of Drug Activity Disrupted in San Diego Recently

Many types of drugs run through criminal networks, and many attempts to come through the ports of California. In recent months, there have been many seizures containing blue fentanyl and other illicit drugs. In May 2023, the San Diego Field Office for Customs and Border Patrol seized 7.8 million dollar worth of drugs.

Three million dollars worth of drugs came in through the Calexico port of entry. The 110-pound drug haul contained 78 packages filled with fentanyl pills. Other disrupted shipments of drugs contained fentanyl powder, methamphetamine, and cocaine.

Still More Harm Reduction and Treatment Needed in San Diego

Fentanyl overdose deaths increased 59% from 2020 to 2021 in San Diego County, according to California’s Overdose dashboard. And the next year, emergency room visits increased 43% for people who overdosed on the drug.

While there has been education on the dangers of fentanyl, treatment gaps remain. The current fentanyl user is poorer and older than before, often with multiple marginalizations such as disability, being a member of the homeless population, living with chronic health conditions or mental illness, or being a minority.

Money from several opioid lawsuits is meant to be diverted for treatment and harm reduction initiatives across the state.

The Danger of Counterfeit Fentanyl Pills

Law enforcement attributes the rise in overdoses in the past few years to fentanyl contamination. Nearly 1/6 drugs seized nowadays by the DEA are said to contain fentanyl. Some of these drugs are 100% counterfeit, while others have trace amounts that can kill naive opioid users, people who aren't used to using opioids and have no tolerance to any amount.

It is important for individuals and communities to be aware of the risks associated with fentanyl contamination and use and to seek help promptly if an overdose is suspected. Prompt intervention can save lives and increase the chances of saving a life. Naloxone, an opioid overdose drug, is available for free delivery from the San Diego County health department.

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