Drug Test – Fresno, CA

Fresno, California – Drug Testing

Notable Events Related to Drug Use in Fresno

A major drug bust has made the streets of Fresno a little bit safer. In April of 2022, the Department of Justice announced the arrest of 17 people for involvement in an illegal drug network that was dealing and selling deadly drugs in Fresno County. The investigation led to the seizure of more than 55,000 counterfeit pills laced with fentanyl, six pounds of fentanyl powder, 10 pounds of methamphetamine, one pound of cocaine, 12 guns, and hundreds of rounds of ammunition.

The investigation began as a result of seven overdoses, four of which were teenagers, as well as two fentanyl deaths. When asked about the investigation, assistant Sheriff John Zanoni said, “We must actively and aggressively go after those who are making and transporting this poison throughout our communities.”

Substance Abuse Trends and Statistics for Fresno, CA

Methamphetamine is a major problem in the Fresno area. In 2020, there were more overdose deaths related to meth than any other kind of drug. According to the 2020 Fresno County Coroner Unit Statistics, methamphetamine was the cause of 66% of single drug overdose deaths and was involved in 48% of combined drug overdose deaths. Fentanyl, which is one of the most common killers in other areas, was only connected to 9% of single drug overdose deaths and 32% of combined overdose deaths. Overall, drug overdose deaths in Fresno County have skyrocketed in recent years, rising from 123 in 2018 to 164 in 2019 and 254 in 2020.

Local Government Efforts to Address Drug Problems in Fresno

In Fresno, Governor Gavin Newsom’s Administration is proposing C.A.R.E. Court, a new policy framework that will provide community-based substance abuse disorder and mental health treatment services to California residents facing acute challenges, including homelessness. The purpose of the proposed C.A.R.E. (Community Assistance, Recovery & Empowerment) Court is to provide services to severely vulnerable people with the hopes of preventing incarceration or more restrictive conservatorships. If approved, it will provide services such as wellness and recovery support, housing, and more for a period of up to 12 months or longer.

Last updated 7/25/2022