On this April 26, 2018, file photograph, a person lies on the sidewalk beside a trash recycling bin in San Francisco. California Gov. Gavin Newsom introduced Friday, April 21, 2023, that the state freeway patrol and Nationwide Guard will present further personnel and assets to assist San Francisco battle its worsening fentanyl drug disaster. Ben Margot, Related Press
ART police officer Eric Hofstein shows the Fentanyl he confiscated whereas patrolling the Civic Heart Station BART platform in San Francisco, Calif. Friday, Nov. 20, 2020. California Gov. Gavin Newsom introduced Friday, April 21, 2023, that the state freeway patrol and state nationwide guard will present further personnel and assets to assist San Francisco battle its worsening fentanyl drug disaster. The announcement highlights a severe concern within the metropolis the place Newsom was as soon as mayor. Jessica Christian, San Francisco Chronicle through Related Press
California Gov. Gavin Newsom stated he’ll ship his state’s Nationwide Guard and the California Freeway Patrol to struggle fentanyl trafficking in San Francisco.
Newsom, who served as San Francisco mayor from 2004 to 2010, stated the businesses would work with the San Francisco Police Division and District Lawyer’s Workplace to tackle large-scale drug trafficking operations.
“By this new collaborative partnership, we're offering extra regulation enforcement assets and personnel to crack down on crime linked to the fentanyl disaster, holding the poison peddlers accountable, and rising regulation enforcement presence to enhance public security and public confidence in San Francisco,” Newsom stated in a assertion.
Newsom’s workplace stated the partnership with regulation enforcement will give attention to focusing on drug suppliers and traffickers and never criminalize those that battle with substance abuse.
In 2021 there have been 5,722 deaths in California associated to fentanyl, an artificial opioid, based on the California Division of Public Well being, and state lawmakers are debating the easiest way to fight the opioid disaster. The San Francisco Division of Well being stated drug overdoses from fentanyl started to extend in 2015 as a result of it was present in illicit medicine, and San Francisco has seen a greater than 40% improve in overdose deaths between January and March 2023, based on the governor’s workplace.
Newsom was delicate to San Francisco’s status for crime in asserting this system.
“Two truths can co-exist on the similar time: San Francisco’s violent crime charge is beneath comparably sized cities like Jacksonville and Fort Value — and there's additionally extra we should do to handle public security issues, particularly the fentanyl disaster,” he stated.
Newsom has the assist of San Francisco police chief Invoice Scott, who stated in a press release his division welcomes “the assist of our state companions as a result of once we work collectively we will make a big distinction to make our metropolis safer.” However not all public officers are on board.
Supervisor Dean Preston referred to as this system a “publicity stunt,” based on ABC 7, and stated Newsom vetoed laws for overdose prevention websites he believes led to elevated public drug use and overdoses.
In a letter to Newsom, the California Meeting Republican Caucus requested the governor to assist 4 items of laws focusing on fentanyl.
ART police officer Eric Hofstein shows the Fentanyl he confiscated whereas patrolling the Civic Heart Station BART platform in San Francisco, Calif. Friday, Nov. 20, 2020. California Gov. Gavin Newsom introduced Friday, April 21, 2023, that the state freeway patrol and state nationwide guard will present further personnel and assets to assist San Francisco battle its worsening fentanyl drug disaster. The announcement highlights a severe concern within the metropolis the place Newsom was as soon as mayor.
Jessica Christian, San Francisco Chronicle through Related Press
“The fentanyl disaster isn't a partisan concern,” Republican lawmakers wrote. “No matter our political variations, leaders in each events consider motion is required now. Republicans and lots of Democrats within the Legislature need to see these proposals advance.”
The 4 payments would improve sentencing and improve penalties for some sellers, together with these with massive portions of fentanyl, and improve penalties for individuals who promote it on social media or possess it whereas carrying a loaded, operable firearm.
“You may have proven a willingness to interact within the legislative course of in terms of urgent points similar to psychological well being, homelessness and local weather coverage,” Republicans wrote. “We're asking for this similar stage of engagement with the bipartisan effort to handle California’s fentanyl disaster.”
When you or a cherished one is combating substance abuse, the Substance Abuse and Psychological Well being Providers Administration operates a free, confidential helpline that’s obtainable 24/7 in English and Spanish at 1-800-622-HELP (4357).