New Siskiyou Deputies Make Major Drug Bust Within 24 Hours of Swearing-In

In a dramatic turn of events, the Siskiyou County Sheriff’s Office is celebrating not only the addition of two new deputies but also a significant drug bust made within their first day on the job.

In less than a full day after joining the force, one of the new patrol Sergeants uncovered:

• Over 535 grams of fentanyl
• 5.5 grams of methamphetamine
• An unregistered firearm

These illicit substances and weapon were discovered during two routine traffic stops along Interstate 5, demonstrating the immediate impact of increased patrol presence.

The drivers of both vehicles containing the illegal substances were promptly arrested. They face charges of:

• Transportation of narcotics for sale
• Possession of narcotics for sale

Both suspects have been booked into the Siskiyou County Jail.

The Significance of the Seizure

The Department of Justice provides some context for the scale of this bust:

• An ounce of fentanyl typically has a street value between $650 and $2,000.
• Just 2 milligrams of fentanyl is considered a lethal dose.

Based on these figures, the 535 grams of fentanyl seized in this operation had the potential to cause up to 267,500 fatalities if distributed and consumed. This single operation may have saved countless lives in Siskiyou County and beyond.

The Broader Impact

This seizure comes at a critical time. From February 2023 to February 2024, there were 69,979 reported deaths from synthetic opioids such as fentanyl in the United States. Synthetic opioids remain the primary cause of all overdose deaths in the country.

Looking Ahead

This explosive start for the new deputies has energized the entire Sheriff’s Office. It serves as a powerful reminder of the challenges facing law enforcement in Siskiyou County, but also of the potential impact of dedicated officers.

As the county continues to grapple with issues of drug trafficking and substance abuse, the Sheriff’s Office remains committed to both enforcement efforts and building a strong, community-oriented police force. With such promising new additions to the team, the future looks a little brighter for Siskiyou County.