17 Arrested During Fentanyl Crackdown In San Diego County

SAN DIEGO, CA — Multiple people were arrested during a crackdown on fentanyl dealers in San Diego County, authorities said Wednesday.

Nine people were arrested on suspicion of dealing fentanyl in the county during a joint operation between San Diego police and the Department of Homeland Security's Fentanyl Abatement and Suppression Team, according to the San Diego Police Department.

The 10-hour operation happened March 1 and involved more than 60 officers and investigators, Lt. Bill Brown said. The operation resulted in over 70 contacts, nine felony arrests, eight misdemeanor arrests and citations, 31 field interviews, and 15 fentanyl outreach contacts.

"This collaborative operation is part of the ongoing strategic effort by the SDPD and F.A.S.T. to reduce opioid-related abuse, educate our community and reduce opioid-associated crime within the city and county of San Diego," Brown said.

Anyone with information about illegal fentanyl sales was asked to call the department or San Diego County Crime Stoppers at 888-580-8477.