GRANTS PASS, Ore. — A major drug bust in Grants Pass has resulted in the seizure of over 10 ounces of fentanyl, equating to nearly 150,000 lethal doses of the potent substance. The operation was carried out by the Rogue Area Drug Enforcement (RADE) team, a multi-agency task force focused on combatting drug trafficking and distribution in southern Oregon.
According to the United States Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA), just two milligrams of fentanyl, a synthetic opioid, can be fatal depending on an individual’s body size, tolerance, and past usage. The amount confiscated by the RADE team is enough to cause a significant number of overdose deaths in the region, underscoring the critical need for continued vigilance against fentanyl trafficking.
The RADE team consists of officers from several local and state agencies, including the Grants Pass Police Department, Oregon State Police, Josephine County Community Corrections, the Josephine County District Attorney’s Office, and federal partners. This collaboration aims to dismantle drug trafficking networks and prevent the flow of dangerous substances into communities like Grants Pass.
The investigation into the fentanyl seizure is ongoing, and authorities are continuing their efforts to identify individuals connected to the illegal shipment. This incident highlights the broader, ongoing crisis surrounding fentanyl distribution across the United States, with authorities emphasizing the extreme danger posed by even a small amount of the substance.
Local law enforcement agencies continue to urge the public to be aware of the risks associated with fentanyl, which has contributed to a surge in overdose deaths nationwide. In Oregon alone, fentanyl has become a significant concern, with law enforcement and public health officials working together to address the growing threat.
As investigations proceed, the RADE team remains committed to protecting the community and curbing the spread of deadly drugs.