The deadly opioid fentanyl has been spreading through the Bay Area, and for South Bay officials, the time has come to start putting pressure on those distributing the drug.
For more, stream KCBS Radio now.
Santa Clara authorities have vowed to ramp up efforts to prosecute people responsible for dealing fentanyl in the county.
"We've seized thousands of pills just this year," said Edward Liang, a deputy district attorney at the Santa Clara County District Attorney's Office in the Gang Unit. "We're also prioritizing not only the investigation but also the prosecution of it."
This push comes as the number of accidental fentanyl overdoses have skyrocketed recently.
"We're looking for people who are trafficking fentanyl whether it's for mid-to-high level, especially because of where San Jose is positioned," he said.
According to Liang, the dealers in the county are growing more aware of the increased scrutiny of authorities.
He's come to this conclusion, "based upon investigations – looking through their cellphones and things like that," he said.
Along with focusing on dealers, authorities are paying specific close attention to the deaths from fentanyl.
LISTEN to KCBS Radio
FAVORITE KCBS Radio
Facebook | Twitter | Instagram
