Orange County deputies seize nearly 900,000 fentanyl pills
- The VIPER Task Force conducted two significant drug busts in San Clemente, California, in September 2023.
- The first bust on September 12 resulted in the seizure of over 442,200 fentanyl pills and other illegal substances.
- These operations underscore the ongoing efforts to combat drug trafficking and protect communities from the opioid crisis.
In September 2023, significant drug busts occurred in San Clemente, California, leading to the seizure of nearly 900,000 fentanyl pills. The Vehicle Interdiction Pipeline Enforcement Resource (VIPER) Task Force, comprising Orange County sheriff's deputies and California Border Patrol agents, conducted two operations that resulted in these large-scale confiscations. The first incident took place on September 12, when deputies stopped a vehicle on the 5 Freeway and discovered over 442,200 fentanyl pills, along with substantial amounts of fentanyl powder, methamphetamine, and cocaine. A week later, on September 19, border agents apprehended another driver at the same location, uncovering an additional 447,100 fentanyl pills hidden in the trunk of the car. Both drivers were arrested during these operations, highlighting the ongoing battle against drug trafficking in the region. The successful seizures are part of a broader effort to combat the opioid crisis and prevent the distribution of dangerous substances in communities across California.