Governor Newsom Calls on California National Guard to Address San Francisco’s Fentanyl Crisis

In an effort to combat the fentanyl epidemic plaguing San Francisco, Governor Gavin Newsom has directed the California Highway Patrol and the state National Guard to provide assistance. This came after a 41% increase in fentanyl overdose deaths in the city during the first few months of the year. Governor Newsom aims to increase law enforcement presence and resources to improve public health and confidence, hold drug traffickers responsible, and crack down on crime related to the opioid crisis.

Unlike previous approaches that focused on prosecuting those struggling with substance abuse, the emphasis will now be on targeting drug companies and traffickers thought to be behind the supply of fentanyl. The new strategy will be implemented with the San Francisco Police Department and the San Francisco District Attorney’s Office. According to the governor’s office, this agreement creates a new collaborative effort aimed at dismantling fentanyl trafficking and disrupting the supply of the deadly drug in the city.

During Governor Newsom’s recent inspection of San Francisco’s Tenderloin suburb, which has been hard hit by violence and the fentanyl crisis, he was asked about his efforts to end the drug epidemic. Advocate JJ Smith felt that the governor’s response was insufficient, even though Newsom claims to have already spent more than $1 billion to address the opioid and fentanyl crisis in California. He has asked for an additional $96 million in funding from the original budget to tackle the issue.

San Francisco Mayor London Breed has also expressed gratitude for Governor Newsom’s support in breaking up the open-air drug markets in the city. The mayor had previously requested national intervention to detain and pursue drug traffickers, as the town battles an understaffed police force. She believes this partnership with state police agencies will make a difference for residents, employers and employees.

While some have criticized the government’s approach, there is hope that the collaborative effort will be effective in combating the drug epidemic that has ravaged many communities.