Police in Southern California seized 20,000 fentanyl pills during a traffic stop, authorities said Monday, as one county warned the public about a spike in overdose deaths related to the deadly drug.
Narcotics officers busted three individuals after stopping a car for unspecified vehicle code violations, the San Bernardino Police Department said.
Police searched the car and discovered 20,000 fentanyl pills, a half-ounce of cocaine, a loaded gun and over $1,200 in cash.
Officers arrested all three occupants without incident. All three face multiple felony charges. The driver was also found to be on federal probation.
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The police announcement comes as the San Bernardino County Public Health Department issued a health advisory on Monday, warning residents about an increase in fentanyl-related overdose deaths in the county.
Fentanyl overdose deaths spiked to 309 last year, up from 227 in 2020, the county said. There were 74 fentanyl-related deaths in 2019, and 30 deaths in 2018.
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County health officials also warned about the emergence of “rainbow” fentanyl, a variation of the drug comes in a variety of bright colors, shapes and sizes that may attract young people.