Senator Alvarado-Gil Takes on Cartels and Gun Violence with Anti-Fentanyl Measure SB 226 (Local District Attorneys Rally in Support)
Senator Marie Alvarado-Gil (SD-4) took a major step toward disrupting organized crime in the illicit fentanyl trade by introducing SB 226, which would make it a felony to possess fentanyl while carrying a loaded, operable firearm. Up until now, only methamphetamine, crack, cocaine, heroin, and PCP were specifically listed under the law banning simultaneous possession of a loaded firearm and drugs. SB 226 would correct this oversight by recognizing that fentanyl, over 50 times more powerful than heroin, should be included on that list
“Not including Fentanyl in the original list of banned substances while in simultaneous possession of a loaded firearm is an egregious omission that SB 226 will rectify.” Stated Alvarado-Gil
Several elected District Attorneys in and around Senator Alvarado-Gil’s district are calling for this much-needed overhaul to the Health and Safety Code.
“Senate Bill 226 would provide additional accountability measures for law enforcement and prosecutors in our effort to remove fentanyl from our streets,” said San Joaquin County District Attorney Ron Freitas. “Simply put, fentanyl is poisoning our communities. Possessing this illicit opioid in addition to a loaded, operable firearm is an increasingly deadly combination—one we have an opportunity to prevent. Thank you to Senator Alvarado-Gil for her efforts in protecting the public with this measure.”
Nearly 3,000 people died of gun violence in California in 2019, averaging approximately eight people per day, both in the form of suicides and in the form of homicides. The post-pandemic mental health crisis coupled with drug use and easy access to functioning firearms contributes to these anguishing statistics, deeply wounding families and scarring first responders who valiantly attempt rescues, notify families, and tend to these emergencies first-hand.
“Every community has been tragically affected by the deadly impacts of fentanyl. From the devastation of addiction, to the senseless loss of life to overdoses and poisonings, to the scourge of violence and destruction associated with sales and distribution, fentanyl is one of the most dangerous issues facing our state,” said Placer County District Attorney Morgan Gire. “The deadly combination of the possession of both fentanyl and a loaded, operable firearm makes an already dangerous situation even worse. Quite simply, fentanyl and firearms do not mix.”
Lethal in extremely tiny doses, fentanyl has been pouring into California via organized criminal networks such as drug cartels. Made to mimic the look of pharmaceutical-grade opioids, the pills in fact are put together by criminals with little to no quality control. Recently, organized crime has even introduced so-called “rainbow fentanyl” into the stream of commerce, meant to attract children to its candy-like appearance, and oftentimes smuggling the drug inside stuffed animals, childrens’ car seats, and other means dangerous or attractive to children.
Regarding SB 226, Stanislaus County District Attorney Jeff Laugero said, “This is exactly the type of common-sense legislative action needed to help address two epidemics currently impacting communities throughout the state—gun violence and fentanyl. I support SB 226 and Senator Alvarado-Gil’s efforts to counter this public health crisis.”
Senator Alvarado-Gil represents the 4th Senate District which includes the counties of Alpine, Amador, Calaveras, El Dorado, Inyo, Madera, Mariposa, Merced, Mono, Nevada, Placer, Stanislaus, and Tuolumne. The members of her district and its neighboring communities, like so many state- and nation-wide, have been affected by this poison in staggering numbers, which is why so many of her surrounding public safety officials support her efforts in introducing SB 226.
“Fentanyl kills,” said Amador County District Attorney Todd Riebe. “It is killing more Americans aged 18-45 than car accidents, gun violence, and suicides. It is killing our children in record numbers. Those who peddle this death while simultaneously possessing operable, loaded firearms represent a serious public safety risk that SB 226 seeks to rectify by holding them accountable.”
To learn more about Senator Alvarado-Gil please go to: https://sd04.senate.ca.gov/.
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