David Sjostedt

The price of fentanyl in San Francisco is drastically lower than in other major U.S. cities with thriving drug markets.

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The price of fentanyl in San Francisco is drastically lower than in other major U.S. cities with thriving drug markets.

The Standard compared the prices of fentanyl in San Francisco to those in Los Angeles, Philadelphia, New York and Sacramento using data from the Drug Enforcement Agency. In San Francisco, an ounce of fentanyl is sold for hundreds of dollars cheaper on average.

The Standard compared the prices of fentanyl in San Francisco to those in Los Angeles, Philadelphia, New York and Sacramento using data from the Drug Enforcement Agency. In San Francisco, an ounce of fentanyl is sold for hundreds of dollars cheaper on average.

In Los Angeles, a hub for drug trafficking organizations due to its proximity to the Mexican border, fentanyl dealers seek between $650 and $1,000 for an ounce of the drug, which is then usually broken down into smaller amounts for sale on the street.

In Los Angeles, a hub for drug trafficking organizations due to its proximity to the Mexican border, fentanyl dealers seek between $650 and $1,000 for an ounce of the drug, which is then usually broken down into smaller amounts for sale on the street.

In Philadelphia&#8217;s Kensington neighborhood, home of one of the country’s most visible drug markets, an ounce of fentanyl costs $1,500 to $2,000. Grams of the drug are sold in Kensington for as low as $25, and even smaller quantities called “bags” fetch prices of $8 to $9.&nbsp;

In Philadelphia's Kensington neighborhood, home of one of the country’s most visible drug markets, an ounce of fentanyl costs $1,500 to $2,000. Grams of the drug are sold in Kensington for as low as $25, and even smaller quantities called “bags” fetch prices of $8 to $9.&nbsp;

In Philadelphia&#8217;s Kensington neighborhood, home of one of the country’s most visible drug markets, an ounce of fentanyl costs $1,500 to $2,000. Grams of the drug are sold in Kensington for as low as $25, and even smaller quantities called “bags” fetch prices of $8 to $9.&nbsp;

In New York City, an average kilogram of fentanyl costs $26,000, while grams are priced around $40, a law enforcement source told The Standard. Kilos in San Francisco generally cost $14,000. New York officials did not provide a price per ounce.

In New York City, an average kilogram of fentanyl costs $26,000, while grams are priced around $40, a law enforcement source told The Standard. Kilos in San Francisco generally cost $14,000. New York officials did not provide a price per ounce.

Homeless people are seen on streets of the Kensington neighborhood as homelessness and drug addiction hit Philadelphia in Pennsylvania, United States on November 9, 2021.

<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img src="https://content.sfstandard.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/01/gettyimages-1236478676.jpg?w=2500" alt="people hang out near a wall" class="wp-image-241131"/><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Small quantities of fentanyl can be found on the streets of the Kensington neighborhood in Philadelphia for as low as $8.</figcaption></figure>

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<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img src="https://content.sfstandard.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/01/gettyimages-1236478676.jpg?w=2500" alt="people hang out near a wall" class="wp-image-241131"/><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Small quantities of fentanyl can be found on the streets of the Kensington neighborhood in Philadelphia for as low as $8.</figcaption></figure>

In Sacramento, which receives many of its drugs from San Francisco, the average price for an ounce of less pure fentanyl ranges from $350 to $450.&nbsp;More pure fentanyl in Sacramento is priced between $600 and $900.

In Sacramento, which receives many of its drugs from San Francisco, the average price for an ounce of less pure fentanyl ranges from $350 to $450.&nbsp;More pure fentanyl in Sacramento is priced between $600 and $900.

In San Francisco, fentanyl is sold by the ounce in two categories depending on its potency.

In San Francisco, fentanyl is sold by the ounce in two categories depending on its potency.

Lower-strength fentanyl, dubbed “regular” on San Francisco’s streets, is sold for $150 to $200 per ounce, according to Casey Rettig, a local DEA spokesperson. An ounce can be broken into 28 grams for street-level sales—at which point the price may fluctuate. The San Francisco Police Department said it didn’t have fentanyl per gram pricing.&nbsp;

Lower-strength fentanyl, dubbed “regular” on San Francisco’s streets, is sold for $150 to $200 per ounce, according to Casey Rettig, a local DEA spokesperson. An ounce can be broken into 28 grams for street-level sales—at which point the price may fluctuate. The San Francisco Police Department said it didn’t have fentanyl per gram pricing.&nbsp;

Stronger fentanyl, known on the city’s streets as “clean” or “iso,” costs between $500 and $550 per ounce, Rettig said.&nbsp;

Stronger fentanyl, known on the city’s streets as “clean” or “iso,” costs between $500 and $550 per ounce, Rettig said.&nbsp;

Illegal drugs sold in bulk, such as a kilogram (or 1,000 grams), are sold at a cheaper price per gram than when they reach the consumer on the street. As drugs are bought wholesale in kilos and sold on to lower-level dealers as ounces (or 28 grams), the purity level usually drops as other substances are added to the drugs to maximize profits. The end result often means that drug users are buying something sold as a &#8220;gram&#8221; that contains only a fraction of the pure substance they are seeking.

Illegal drugs sold in bulk, such as a kilogram (or 1,000 grams), are sold at a cheaper price per gram than when they reach the consumer on the street. As drugs are bought wholesale in kilos and sold on to lower-level dealers as ounces (or 28 grams), the purity level usually drops as other substances are added to the drugs to maximize profits. The end result often means that drug users are buying something sold as a "gram" that contains only a fraction of the pure substance they are seeking.

Illegal drugs sold in bulk, such as a kilogram (or 1,000 grams), are sold at a cheaper price per gram than when they reach the consumer on the street. As drugs are bought wholesale in kilos and sold on to lower-level dealers as ounces (or 28 grams), the purity level usually drops as other substances are added to the drugs to maximize profits. The end result often means that drug users are buying something sold as a &#8220;gram&#8221; that contains only a fraction of the pure substance they are seeking.

Five San Francisco fentanyl users told The Standard they’d purchased small amounts of the drug for as little as $3. Others said they’re able to obtain fentanyl for free by reaching agreements with drug dealers to hold their product. The practice, <a href="https://sfstandard.com/2023/11/10/drug-holding-cash-guns/">known as &#8220;holding,&#8221;</a> protects dealers from being caught with large amounts of drugs.

San Francisco drug users forced by dealers to hold narcotics, cash and guns

Five San Francisco fentanyl users told The Standard they’d purchased small amounts of the drug for as little as $3. Others said they’re able to obtain fentanyl for free by reaching agreements with drug dealers to hold their product. The practice, <a href="https://sfstandard.com/2023/11/10/drug-holding-cash-guns/">known as "holding,"</a> protects dealers from being caught with large amounts of drugs.

Five San Francisco fentanyl users told The Standard they’d purchased small amounts of the drug for as little as $3. Others said they’re able to obtain fentanyl for free by reaching agreements with drug dealers to hold their product. The practice, <a href="https://sfstandard.com/2023/11/10/drug-holding-cash-guns/">known as &#8220;holding,&#8221;</a> protects dealers from being caught with large amounts of drugs.

Some policymakers argue that the drug’s low price is a driving factor in San Francisco’s crisis that took over 800 lives last year while devastating the Tenderloin and SoMa neighborhoods.

Some policymakers argue that the drug’s low price is a driving factor in San Francisco’s crisis that took over 800 lives last year while devastating the Tenderloin and SoMa neighborhoods.

“People come from other places across California to get fentanyl in San Francisco,” state Assemblymember <a href="https://sfstandard.com/2023/02/16/kim-kardashian-plots-criminal-justice-reform-with-san-francisco-lawmaker/">Matt Haney</a> told The Standard. “If we’re going to stop this epidemic, we need to make it a lot harder.”&nbsp;

Kim Kardashian plots criminal justice reform with San Francisco lawmaker

“People come from other places across California to get fentanyl in San Francisco,” state Assemblymember <a href="https://sfstandard.com/2023/02/16/kim-kardashian-plots-criminal-justice-reform-with-san-francisco-lawmaker/">Matt Haney</a> told The Standard. “If we’re going to stop this epidemic, we need to make it a lot harder.”&nbsp;

Nevertheless, most San Francisco fentanyl users The Standard spoke to said that raising the price would do little to stop them from using the drug. They argue that making fentanyl more expensive could lead people with addiction to commit more crimes out of desperation.

Nevertheless, most San Francisco fentanyl users The Standard spoke to said that raising the price would do little to stop them from using the drug. They argue that making fentanyl more expensive could lead people with addiction to commit more crimes out of desperation.

“Let me see one person sleep on this sidewalk sober,” said Benjamin Longmore, a 38-year-old fentanyl user in San Francisco’s SoMa neighborhood.

“Let me see one person sleep on this sidewalk sober,” said Benjamin Longmore, a 38-year-old fentanyl user in San Francisco’s SoMa neighborhood.

Ben Longmore looks at his friend Matt while discussing the impact of fentanyl in his lives while sitting on the sidewalk in SoMa neighborhood of San Francisco on Thursday, Jan. 19, 2024. Experts suggest that the pricing of Fentanyl is lower in San Francisco compared to Los Angeles and other major cities, pointing to the presence of a larger market and this may explain the increase in drug users coming to San Francisco.

<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img src="https://content.sfstandard.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/01/inlined01_fentanylcostslavssfetc.jpg?w=2500" alt="A man in a hooded jacket sits against a wall, looking at the camera, another person's hand in the foreground." class="wp-image-240927"/><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Benjamin Longmore said he remembers fentanyl being more expensive and also more potent in San Francisco just a few years ago. </figcaption></figure>

Lydia Bransten of the Gubbio Project harm reduction nonprofit pushed back on the assertion that drug users are flocking to San Francisco for its cheap fentanyl.&nbsp;

Lydia Bransten of the Gubbio Project harm reduction nonprofit pushed back on the assertion that drug users are flocking to San Francisco for its cheap fentanyl.&nbsp;

“If you use fentanyl, you have to use it every three hours in order to stay well, and that’d be really difficult for someone to move across the country,” Bransten said.

“If you use fentanyl, you have to use it every three hours in order to stay well, and that’d be really difficult for someone to move across the country,” Bransten said.

Bransten said law enforcement should be involved in addressing the drug crisis. However, she argued the city should instead create spaces for people to <a href="https://sfstandard.com/2022/05/11/much-touted-tenderloin-linkage-center-morphs-into-a-safe-consumption-site-for-drug-use-despite-legal-risks/">safely use drugs out of public view</a> rather than arrest them.

Much-touted ‘Tenderloin Linkage Center’ morphs into a safe consumption site for drug use, despite legal risks

Bransten said law enforcement should be involved in addressing the drug crisis. However, she argued the city should instead create spaces for people to <a href="https://sfstandard.com/2022/05/11/much-touted-tenderloin-linkage-center-morphs-into-a-safe-consumption-site-for-drug-use-despite-legal-risks/">safely use drugs out of public view</a> rather than arrest them.

“The general public is concerned about the state of the streets and feeling safe,” Bransten said. “The reality is, <a href="https://sfstandard.com/2023/12/14/san-francisco-overdose-drug-death-worst-year/">806 people died from this crisis</a> last year, and they were all people who use drugs. Not people who were walking by them on the street.”

San Francisco suffers worst drug overdose death year on record

“The general public is concerned about the state of the streets and feeling safe,” Bransten said. “The reality is, <a href="https://sfstandard.com/2023/12/14/san-francisco-overdose-drug-death-worst-year/">806 people died from this crisis</a> last year, and they were all people who use drugs. Not people who were walking by them on the street.”

Why Is Fentanyl Cheaper in San Francisco?

<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-why-is-fentanyl-cheaper-in-san-francisco">Why Is Fentanyl Cheaper in San Francisco?</h2>

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<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-why-is-fentanyl-cheaper-in-san-francisco">Why Is Fentanyl Cheaper in San Francisco?</h2>

Brian Clark, special agent in charge of San Francisco’s DEA, said he believes the price of fentanyl is cheaper in San Francisco because of soft drug policies. He argued the drug market in San Francisco’s Tenderloin moves more freely than even the streets of Skid Row in Los Angeles.

Brian Clark, special agent in charge of San Francisco’s DEA, said he believes the price of fentanyl is cheaper in San Francisco because of soft drug policies. He argued the drug market in San Francisco’s Tenderloin moves more freely than even the streets of Skid Row in Los Angeles.

“It’s all about greed, and it’s all about profits,” Clark said. “The difference, I’d say, is the open-air market that’s been established here.”&nbsp;

“It’s all about greed, and it’s all about profits,” Clark said. “The difference, I’d say, is the open-air market that’s been established here.”&nbsp;

The price of fentanyl is so cheap in San Francisco, Rettig said, that drug dealers have been found coming from <a href="https://sfstandard.com/2022/05/04/in-letter-to-boudin-humboldt-county-links-tenderloin-drug-sales-to-rise-in-local-fentanyl-cases/">Humboldt County</a>, Sacramento and <a href="https://www.justice.gov/usao-ndca/pr/three-north-bay-defendants-charged-fentanyl-overdose-death-case">Santa Rosa</a> to purchase the drug.&nbsp;

In letter to Boudin, Humboldt County links Tenderloin drug sales to rise in local fentanyl cases

The price of fentanyl is so cheap in San Francisco, Rettig said, that drug dealers have been found coming from <a href="https://sfstandard.com/2022/05/04/in-letter-to-boudin-humboldt-county-links-tenderloin-drug-sales-to-rise-in-local-fentanyl-cases/">Humboldt County</a>, Sacramento and <a href="https://www.justice.gov/usao-ndca/pr/three-north-bay-defendants-charged-fentanyl-overdose-death-case">Santa Rosa</a> to purchase the drug.&nbsp;

Longmore, who first used the drug locally in 2018, said he believes the price of fentanyl is cheaper in San Francisco because it’s highly diluted with other substances. A few years ago, the drug was more expensive than it is today, he said, and it was purer.&nbsp;

Longmore, who first used the drug locally in 2018, said he believes the price of fentanyl is cheaper in San Francisco because it’s highly diluted with other substances. A few years ago, the drug was more expensive than it is today, he said, and it was purer.&nbsp;

“It was real fentanyl, not this cut bull crap,” Longmore said. “A 10th of a gram would get four or five people high twice.”

“It was real fentanyl, not this cut bull crap,” Longmore said. “A 10th of a gram would get four or five people high twice.”

These days, Longmore explained, it’s more difficult to find fentanyl that isn’t “stepped on,” a slang term that means cut with other substances.

These days, Longmore explained, it’s more difficult to find fentanyl that isn’t “stepped on,” a slang term that means cut with other substances.

Haley Harris Hampton, who lives on Treasure Island, stands in a homeless tent encampment in the Tenderloin neighborhood of San Francisco on Thursday, Jan. 19, 2024. Harris Hampton comes to the neighborhood to use her nursing skills to help people use drugs like fentanyl more safely. Experts suggest that the pricing of fentanyl is lower in San Francisco compared to Los Angeles and other major cities, pointing to the presence of a larger market and this may explain the increase in drug users coming to San Francisco.

<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img src="https://content.sfstandard.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/01/inlined02_fentanylcostslavssfetc.jpg?w=2500" alt="A person stands near tents and a dog on an urban sidewalk with graffiti in the background." class="wp-image-240928"/><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Haley Harris Hampton, who lives on Treasure Island, stands near a homeless encampment in the Tenderloin neighborhood. Hampton said she comes to the neighborhood to use her nursing skills to help people use drugs like fentanyl more safely. </figcaption></figure>

Haley Harris Hampton, a fentanyl user who lives on Treasure Island, said she’s met many people who moved to San Francisco because they heard the fentanyl was cheaper.

Haley Harris Hampton, a fentanyl user who lives on Treasure Island, said she’s met many people who moved to San Francisco because they heard the fentanyl was cheaper.

People become trapped in the city, she said, addicted to cheap fentanyl cut with mystery substances.

People become trapped in the city, she said, addicted to cheap fentanyl cut with mystery substances.

“Most of it’s not even fentanyl,” Hampton said. “If you get real fetty, it’s going to be expensive like everywhere else.”&nbsp;

“Most of it’s not even fentanyl,” Hampton said. “If you get real fetty, it’s going to be expensive like everywhere else.”&nbsp;

Rettig of the DEA said “regular” fentanyl in San Francisco ranges from 5% to 10% purity, while “clean” fentanyl ranges from 15% to 25% purity and is sometimes much higher. By comparison, street-level fentanyl in Kensington ranges on average from 12% to 15% purity, according to the Philadelphia Drug Enforcement Agency’s supervisory special agent, Patrick Trainor.&nbsp;

Rettig of the DEA said “regular” fentanyl in San Francisco ranges from 5% to 10% purity, while “clean” fentanyl ranges from 15% to 25% purity and is sometimes much higher. By comparison, street-level fentanyl in Kensington ranges on average from 12% to 15% purity, according to the Philadelphia Drug Enforcement Agency’s supervisory special agent, Patrick Trainor.&nbsp;

Kilos of fentanyl can sometimes arrive in Kensington from Los Angeles with purity levels as high as 80%, Trainor said.&nbsp;

Kilos of fentanyl can sometimes arrive in Kensington from Los Angeles with purity levels as high as 80%, Trainor said.&nbsp;

The average price of a kilo is the same in San Francisco as it is in Los Angeles. Los Angeles DEA officials wouldn&#8217;t provide purity data.

The average price of a kilo is the same in San Francisco as it is in Los Angeles. Los Angeles DEA officials wouldn't provide purity data.

The average price of a kilo is the same in San Francisco as it is in Los Angeles. Los Angeles DEA officials wouldn&#8217;t provide purity data.

Keith Humphreys, who worked on drug policy for the Obama administration, said purity levels and prices may fluctuate due to law enforcement busts, conflicts between cartels and advancements in underground drug manufacturing.&nbsp;

Keith Humphreys, who worked on drug policy for the Obama administration, said purity levels and prices may fluctuate due to law enforcement busts, conflicts between cartels and advancements in underground drug manufacturing.&nbsp;

“To the extent that dealers know what they’re selling, and they don’t always know, you could expect a price premium for higher potency,” Humphreys said. “It depends on how potency-sensitive the users are.”

“To the extent that dealers know what they’re selling, and they don’t always know, you could expect a price premium for higher potency,” Humphreys said. “It depends on how potency-sensitive the users are.”

Humphreys said he was surprised an ounce of the drug is cheaper in San Francisco than in Los Angeles due to its proximity to Mexico, where many illegal drugs are transported from. He speculated that the saturation of the drug market in San Francisco could be driving down prices of the deadly opioid.

Humphreys said he was surprised an ounce of the drug is cheaper in San Francisco than in Los Angeles due to its proximity to Mexico, where many illegal drugs are transported from. He speculated that the saturation of the drug market in San Francisco could be driving down prices of the deadly opioid.

“If you’re moving large amounts, you can charge less,” Humphreys said. “When there’s more enforcement, you have to compensate dealers more.”&nbsp;

“If you’re moving large amounts, you can charge less,” Humphreys said. “When there’s more enforcement, you have to compensate dealers more.”&nbsp;

Between May 2023 and January 2024, law enforcement officials cracked down on the sale and visible use of drugs in the city, making 663 arrests for drug sales and seizing 145 pounds of fentanyl.

Between May 2023 and January 2024, law enforcement officials cracked down on the sale and visible use of drugs in the city, making 663 arrests for drug sales and seizing 145 pounds of fentanyl.

Some drug users told The Standard the enforcement measures have made it more difficult to obtain fentanyl, particularly during the daytime. Some dealers, they say, have stopped selling smaller quantities of the drug.&nbsp;

Some drug users told The Standard the enforcement measures have made it more difficult to obtain fentanyl, particularly during the daytime. Some dealers, they say, have stopped selling smaller quantities of the drug.&nbsp;

“Karma” smokes fentanyl along Skid Row in Los Angeles on May 18, 2023. She she's been smoking fentanyl to numb herself daily and spent her last $70 for a gram of fentanyl to smoke. She said she tries to tell people not to smoke it and that the withdrawal is so painful that she tries to smoke it every hour or so just to avoid it.

<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img src="https://content.sfstandard.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/01/inlined03_fentanylcostslavssfetc.jpg?w=2500" alt="A person is lighting a handheld device that emits smoke, with a blue tarp backdrop." class="wp-image-240929"/><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">A drug user smokes fentanyl on LA&#8217;s Skid Row, where fentanyl is more expensive than in San Francisco.</figcaption></figure>

<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img src="https://content.sfstandard.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/01/inlined03_fentanylcostslavssfetc.jpg?w=2500" alt="A person is lighting a handheld device that emits smoke, with a blue tarp backdrop." class="wp-image-240929"/><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">A drug user smokes fentanyl on LA's Skid Row, where fentanyl is more expensive than in San Francisco.</figcaption></figure>

<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img src="https://content.sfstandard.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/01/inlined03_fentanylcostslavssfetc.jpg?w=2500" alt="A person is lighting a handheld device that emits smoke, with a blue tarp backdrop." class="wp-image-240929"/><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">A drug user smokes fentanyl on LA&#8217;s Skid Row, where fentanyl is more expensive than in San Francisco.</figcaption></figure>

However, Rettig said the DEA hasn’t seen an increase in the street price of the drug since the crackdown began. In fact, the price of three grams of fentanyl in San Francisco dropped from $100 to $60 between the summer of 2022 and 2023, she said.&nbsp;

However, Rettig said the DEA hasn’t seen an increase in the street price of the drug since the crackdown began. In fact, the price of three grams of fentanyl in San Francisco dropped from $100 to $60 between the summer of 2022 and 2023, she said.&nbsp;

Meanwhile, the city experienced a record-breaking 806 overdose deaths last year, according to preliminary data from the Chief Medical Examiner&#8217;s Office.

Meanwhile, the city experienced a record-breaking 806 overdose deaths last year, according to preliminary data from the Chief Medical Examiner's Office.

Meanwhile, the city experienced a record-breaking 806 overdose deaths last year, according to preliminary data from the Chief Medical Examiner&#8217;s Office.

A 29-year-old homeless man named Matt, who declined to give a last name for fear of arrest, said he moved to San Francisco from the East Coast 10 years ago when he was already struggling with addiction. However, he said, he didn’t move to the Bay Area for its cheap drugs. Instead, he explained, he came to the city because of the weather, afraid of freezing to death in cities like Philadelphia or New York.

A 29-year-old homeless man named Matt, who declined to give a last name for fear of arrest, said he moved to San Francisco from the East Coast 10 years ago when he was already struggling with addiction. However, he said, he didn’t move to the Bay Area for its cheap drugs. Instead, he explained, he came to the city because of the weather, afraid of freezing to death in cities like Philadelphia or New York.

“I was going to live on the street one way or another, and I knew the weather would be better here,” he said. Matt said he usually purchases higher-quality fentanyl for around $40 per gram. He argued that more enforcement measures, and higher drug prices, could cause more chaos for the city.

“I was going to live on the street one way or another, and I knew the weather would be better here,” he said. Matt said he usually purchases higher-quality fentanyl for around $40 per gram. He argued that more enforcement measures, and higher drug prices, could cause more chaos for the city.

“My logic is that drug use should be accepted, but it shouldn’t be tolerated to be a nuisance to society,” he said. “If it was more expensive, people would have a harder time getting by and would steal more.”

“My logic is that drug use should be accepted, but it shouldn’t be tolerated to be a nuisance to society,” he said. “If it was more expensive, people would have a harder time getting by and would steal more.”

Why is fentanyl drastically cheaper in San Francisco than in LA, NYC and Philly?

Gabe Greschler

As San Francisco faces pressure to get a handle on deadly drug overdoses, federal prosecutors are turning to a strategy that’s revealing a rift between the candidates vying for the mayor’s seat.

As San Francisco faces pressure to get a handle on deadly drug overdoses, federal prosecutors are turning to a strategy that’s revealing a rift between the candidates vying for the mayor’s seat.

Since last year, prosecutors have charged more than 100 people, mainly undocumented immigrants, with dealing fentanyl and other illicit substances — offering defendants the choice between prison or pleading guilty and facing deportation proceedings, according to a report <a href="https://www.bnnbloomberg.ca/business/company-news/2024/09/05/liberal-san-francisco-is-deporting-migrants-to-fight-fentanyl-crisis/">by Bloomberg News</a>.&nbsp;

Since last year, prosecutors have charged more than 100 people, mainly undocumented immigrants, with dealing fentanyl and other illicit substances — offering defendants the choice between prison or pleading guilty and facing deportation proceedings, according to a report <a href="https://www.bnnbloomberg.ca/business/company-news/2024/09/05/liberal-san-francisco-is-deporting-migrants-to-fight-fentanyl-crisis/">by Bloomberg News</a>.&nbsp;

Mayor London Breed is reported to be in line with the federal crackdown as she has taken a stricter stance on drug dealing and is more frequently dispatching law enforcement to troubled neighborhoods such as the Tenderloin.&nbsp;

Mayor London Breed is reported to be in line with the federal crackdown as she has taken a stricter stance on drug dealing and is more frequently dispatching law enforcement to troubled neighborhoods such as the Tenderloin.&nbsp;

More than 1,000 <a href="https://sfstandard.com/2024/08/28/san-francisco-drug-markets-post-crackdown/">drug dealers were arrested between May 2023 and August 2024</a>, according to the San Francisco Police Department, though the open-air markets appear to persist despite law enforcement intervention. Additionally, 1,500 users have been arrested.

Drug markets persist downtown despite thousands of arrests, police crackdown

More than 1,000 <a href="https://sfstandard.com/2024/08/28/san-francisco-drug-markets-post-crackdown/">drug dealers were arrested between May 2023 and August 2024</a>, according to the San Francisco Police Department, though the open-air markets appear to persist despite law enforcement intervention. Additionally, 1,500 users have been arrested.

San Francisco Mayor London Breed, center, during the Department of Homelessness and Supportive Housing’s biennial Point-in-Time Count of homeless and unhoused people on the street on Tuesday, Jan. 30, 2024 from 8PM to midnight. According to Department of Homelessness and Supportive Housing, the count covered all 47 square miles of San Francisco and used administrative data for people staying in City shelters, emergency shelters and transitional housing. The final report will include more detailed information about people experiencing homelessness including demographics, veteran status, and chronic homelessness.

<figure class="wp-block-image size-large is-resized"><img src="https://content.sfstandard.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/20240126_homelesscountwewent_-3058.jpg?w=1430" alt="A woman in a hooded jacket stands on a bustling city street at night, with illuminated buildings and tents in the background." class="wp-image-276469" style="width:670px;height:auto"/><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Mayor London Breed is supporting a federal crackdown on undocumented immigrants who are being charged for dealing drugs that include fentanyl.</figcaption></figure>

Officials are embracing the federal strategy despite San Francisco’s long-standing <a href="https://www.sf.gov/information/sanctuary-city-ordinance">policy as a sanctuary city</a>. The guidelines were put in place with the idea that undocumented individuals would be able to interact with local officials — firefighters or police — without having to worry about being detained over their immigration status. Under the sanctuary city policy, city employees are generally prohibited from communicating with Immigration and Customs Enforcement officials.&nbsp;

Officials are embracing the federal strategy despite San Francisco’s long-standing <a href="https://www.sf.gov/information/sanctuary-city-ordinance">policy as a sanctuary city</a>. The guidelines were put in place with the idea that undocumented individuals would be able to interact with local officials — firefighters or police — without having to worry about being detained over their immigration status. Under the sanctuary city policy, city employees are generally prohibited from communicating with Immigration and Customs Enforcement officials.&nbsp;

Breed, along with moderate members of the Board of Supervisors, said the city can embrace its sanctuary status — saying immigrant populations should be “protected” and “supported” — while drawing the line at the sale of deadly substances.

Breed, along with moderate members of the Board of Supervisors, said the city can embrace its sanctuary status — saying immigrant populations should be “protected” and “supported” — while drawing the line at the sale of deadly substances.

“For people who are willing to sell poison that is killing people, there’s no protection for you. There’s no sanctuary for you,” Breed <a href="https://www.bnnbloomberg.ca/business/company-news/2024/09/05/liberal-san-francisco-is-deporting-migrants-to-fight-fentanyl-crisis/">told Bloomberg News</a> this month. “Fentanyl is such a deadly drug. It requires that we take more extreme measures.”

“For people who are willing to sell poison that is killing people, there’s no protection for you. There’s no sanctuary for you,” Breed <a href="https://www.bnnbloomberg.ca/business/company-news/2024/09/05/liberal-san-francisco-is-deporting-migrants-to-fight-fentanyl-crisis/">told Bloomberg News</a> this month. “Fentanyl is such a deadly drug. It requires that we take more extreme measures.”

But Board of Supervisors President Aaron Peskin, who has taken the progressive track in the mayoral race, swiped at Breed for “pursuing headlines rather than meaningful solutions.”&nbsp;

But Board of Supervisors President Aaron Peskin, who has taken the progressive track in the mayoral race, swiped at Breed for “pursuing headlines rather than meaningful solutions.”&nbsp;

In a statement to The Standard, Peskin said law enforcement has “long agreed” that sanctuary city policies increase public safety.

In a statement to The Standard, Peskin said law enforcement has “long agreed” that sanctuary city policies increase public safety.

“These deportations will split the community and undermine public safety without addressing the root cause of the fentanyl crisis we face,” Peskin told The Standard.&nbsp;

“These deportations will split the community and undermine public safety without addressing the root cause of the fentanyl crisis we face,” Peskin told The Standard.&nbsp;

District 3 Supervisor Aaron Peskin is seen at a press conference where Mayor London Breed speaks in Portsmouth Square in Chinatown, San Francisco on Thursday, Sept. 28, 2023. Peskin, Breed, and other officials announced that more than 100 families have been able to move out of single room occupancy (SRO) housing.

<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img src="https://content.sfstandard.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/inlined01_20240520-housingballotccdc.jpg?w=2500" alt="A man in a blue plaid jacket intently listens to a woman in a teal outfit speaking at a podium. Several masked and unmasked people stand in the background." class="wp-image-277000"/><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Board President Aaron Peskin is pushing back against a drug dealing crackdown that includes the threat of deportation proceedings for undocumented immigrants.</figcaption></figure>

Peskin, a critic of the mayor, has previously called for outside help in addressing fentanyl; in early 2023, he asked for <a href="https://sfstandard.com/2023/04/13/san-francisco-supervisor-asks-for-state-federal-help-in-fentanyl-crisis/">a wide swath of law enforcement agencies</a> to beef up their presence in parts of the city to address the issue. <a href="https://www.aaron2024.com/public-safety">As a mayoral candidate</a>, he has pushed for using opioid settlement money as a way to fund on-the-ground medical teams to help those addicted to drugs.

San Francisco supervisor asks for state, federal help in fentanyl crisis

Peskin, a critic of the mayor, has previously called for outside help in addressing fentanyl; in early 2023, he asked for <a href="https://sfstandard.com/2023/04/13/san-francisco-supervisor-asks-for-state-federal-help-in-fentanyl-crisis/">a wide swath of law enforcement agencies</a> to beef up their presence in parts of the city to address the issue. <a href="https://www.aaron2024.com/public-safety">As a mayoral candidate</a>, he has pushed for using opioid settlement money as a way to fund on-the-ground medical teams to help those addicted to drugs.

The debate comes as homelessness, public safety, and drugs have emerged as top-of-mind local concerns in the mayoral election. Questions around immigration, however, have mostly been reserved for national politics, as Donald Trump and Vice President Kamala Harris battle it out over border policy.

The debate comes as homelessness, public safety, and drugs have emerged as top-of-mind local concerns in the mayoral election. Questions around immigration, however, have mostly been reserved for national politics, as Donald Trump and Vice President Kamala Harris battle it out over border policy.

Cases pursued by federal prosecutors, led by U.S. Attorney Ismail Ramsey, include charges against a 26-year-old Honduran mother of two for selling $800 worth of fentanyl, according to Bloomberg News. In another instance, charges were brought against a 50-year-old man who had $5 worth of methamphetamine; court filings show he accepted a plea deal and is expected to be deported to Honduras. Ramsey reportedly was encouraged by both Breed and Speaker Emerita Nancy Pelosi to pursue the strategy.

Cases pursued by federal prosecutors, led by U.S. Attorney Ismail Ramsey, include charges against a 26-year-old Honduran mother of two for selling $800 worth of fentanyl, according to Bloomberg News. In another instance, charges were brought against a 50-year-old man who had $5 worth of methamphetamine; court filings show he accepted a plea deal and is expected to be deported to Honduras. Ramsey reportedly was encouraged by both Breed and Speaker Emerita Nancy Pelosi to pursue the strategy.

Tony Brass, a former federal prosecutor who has worked on drug dealing cases, said he agrees that penalties need to be levied against undocumented immigrants who are dealing fentanyl. Without implementing consequences, the city will not be able to fight back against the scourge of fentanyl deaths, he said.&nbsp;

Tony Brass, a former federal prosecutor who has worked on drug dealing cases, said he agrees that penalties need to be levied against undocumented immigrants who are dealing fentanyl. Without implementing consequences, the city will not be able to fight back against the scourge of fentanyl deaths, he said.&nbsp;

“It&#8217;s a serious crime, because there are serious consequences for the drug,” Brass said. “It&#8217;s not weed. It’s serious business. It&#8217;s deadly.”

“It's a serious crime, because there are serious consequences for the drug,” Brass said. “It's not weed. It’s serious business. It's deadly.”

“It&#8217;s a serious crime, because there are serious consequences for the drug,” Brass said. “It&#8217;s not weed. It’s serious business. It&#8217;s deadly.”

In a statement to The Standard, the San Francisco public defender’s office described the federal tactic as “harmful and wasteful” and claimed it “skirts” sanctuary city protections. Public defenders <a href="https://sfstandard.com/2023/04/13/san-francisco-supervisor-asks-for-state-federal-help-in-fentanyl-crisis/">have argued that immigrants,</a> in some cases, are coerced into selling drugs as part of a deal with cartels to enter the country.

In a statement to The Standard, the San Francisco public defender’s office described the federal tactic as “harmful and wasteful” and claimed it “skirts” sanctuary city protections. Public defenders <a href="https://sfstandard.com/2023/04/13/san-francisco-supervisor-asks-for-state-federal-help-in-fentanyl-crisis/">have argued that immigrants,</a> in some cases, are coerced into selling drugs as part of a deal with cartels to enter the country.

Bodies in streets, parks, buses: The everyday horror of stumbling on an overdose victim

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“Instead of scapegoating immigrants for an opioid crisis created by the pharmaceutical industry and its corporate distributors, San Francisco could be leading the way on opening overdose prevention centers to save lives and abate the demand,” the office said.

“Instead of scapegoating immigrants for an opioid crisis created by the pharmaceutical industry and its corporate distributors, San Francisco could be leading the way on opening overdose prevention centers to save lives and abate the demand,” the office said.

Moderate candidates in the mayoral race, including nonprofit executive Daniel Lurie and former Supervisor Mark Farrell, agreed with the federal strategy.&nbsp;

Moderate candidates in the mayoral race, including nonprofit executive Daniel Lurie and former Supervisor Mark Farrell, agreed with the federal strategy.&nbsp;

In a statement, Lurie said Breed has “failed to address” the city’s drug markets. “There should be no tolerance for anyone selling drugs on our street,&#8221; he said. &#8220;The tiniest amount of fentanyl can be deadly.&#8221;

In a statement, Lurie said Breed has “failed to address” the city’s drug markets. “There should be no tolerance for anyone selling drugs on our street," he said. "The tiniest amount of fentanyl can be deadly."

In a statement, Lurie said Breed has “failed to address” the city’s drug markets. “There should be no tolerance for anyone selling drugs on our street,&#8221; he said. &#8220;The tiniest amount of fentanyl can be deadly.&#8221;

Farrell similarly blamed the mayor for the condition of the city’s streets.

Farrell similarly blamed the mayor for the condition of the city’s streets.

“Our sanctuary city policy was never meant to harbor criminals, or those pedaling death on our streets,” he wrote in a statement. “Mayor Breed has had six years to do everything in her power to make a meaningful difference on our streets, and her latest efforts are too little too late for San Francisco.”

“Our sanctuary city policy was never meant to harbor criminals, or those pedaling death on our streets,” he wrote in a statement. “Mayor Breed has had six years to do everything in her power to make a meaningful difference on our streets, and her latest efforts are too little too late for San Francisco.”

Deport fentanyl dealers? San Francisco mayor candidates aren’t sure

People convicted of distributing fentanyl in California will face stiffer criminal penalties in 2024 under a new law shaped by rising overdose deaths.

People convicted of distributing fentanyl in California will face stiffer criminal penalties in 2024 under a new law shaped by rising overdose deaths.

The law <a href="https://leginfo.legislature.ca.gov/faces/billNavClient.xhtml?bill_id=202320240AB701">increases the penalty</a>&nbsp;for selling or distributing more than one kilogram (2.2 pounds) of fentanyl by an automatic addition of three years to the original sentence.

The law <a href="https://leginfo.legislature.ca.gov/faces/billNavClient.xhtml?bill_id=202320240AB701">increases the penalty</a>&nbsp;for selling or distributing more than one kilogram (2.2 pounds) of fentanyl by an automatic addition of three years to the original sentence.

The penalties continue to increase with weight, topping out at an additional 25 years for trafficking in weights exceeding 80 kilograms. Addiction experts warn the law could have deadly consequences if the “threat of police involvement and harsh prison sentences” makes someone reluctant to help an overdose victim by calling emergency responders.

The penalties continue to increase with weight, topping out at an additional 25 years for trafficking in weights exceeding 80 kilograms. Addiction experts warn the law could have deadly consequences if the “threat of police involvement and harsh prison sentences” makes someone reluctant to help an overdose victim by calling emergency responders.

The bill <a href="https://leginfo.legislature.ca.gov/faces/billVotesClient.xhtml?bill_id=202320240AB701" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">passed the Senate</a> unanimously in September. Gov. Gavin Newsom signed it in October, along with several <a href="https://www.sfchronicle.com/politics/article/new-fentanyl-laws-18395594.php" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">treatment-focused fentanyl bills</a>.

The bill <a href="https://leginfo.legislature.ca.gov/faces/billVotesClient.xhtml?bill_id=202320240AB701" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">passed the Senate</a> unanimously in September. Gov. Gavin Newsom signed it in October, along with several <a href="https://www.sfchronicle.com/politics/article/new-fentanyl-laws-18395594.php" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">treatment-focused fentanyl bills</a>.

Fentanyl is a synthetic opioid that can be fatal in small doses when taken on its own. Heroin and cocaine dealers have also sometimes laced products with fentanyl —which is cheaper than either drug—leading to accidental overdoses by people who unwittingly ingest it. Now, fentanyl is the&nbsp;<a href="https://calmatters.org/explainers/california-opioid-crisis/#d2f9ec26-277e-491e-9bcd-802ed6430be5" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">most common drug causing fatal overdoses in California</a>.

Fentanyl is a synthetic opioid that can be fatal in small doses when taken on its own. Heroin and cocaine dealers have also sometimes laced products with fentanyl —which is cheaper than either drug—leading to accidental overdoses by people who unwittingly ingest it. Now, fentanyl is the&nbsp;<a href="https://calmatters.org/explainers/california-opioid-crisis/#d2f9ec26-277e-491e-9bcd-802ed6430be5" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">most common drug causing fatal overdoses in California</a>.

Tehama County District Attorney Matt Rogers <a href="https://krcrtv.com/news/local/californias-ab-701-to-increase-fentanyl-trafficking-punishments" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">told Redding television station KRCR-TV</a> that the bill “will give us a better deterrent factor for those who are thinking about trafficking and fentanyl.”

Tehama County District Attorney Matt Rogers <a href="https://krcrtv.com/news/local/californias-ab-701-to-increase-fentanyl-trafficking-punishments" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">told Redding television station KRCR-TV</a> that the bill “will give us a better deterrent factor for those who are thinking about trafficking and fentanyl.”

​​“My hope is that it would deter people from selling fentanyl, that it would keep it out of our community—out of every community, but especially ours,” Rogers said. “It would keep it off the highways and off the streets, and we would see a reduction in fentanyl cases, as well as fentanyl overdose deaths.”

​​“My hope is that it would deter people from selling fentanyl, that it would keep it out of our community—out of every community, but especially ours,” Rogers said. “It would keep it off the highways and off the streets, and we would see a reduction in fentanyl cases, as well as fentanyl overdose deaths.”

The bill, authored by Assemblymember&nbsp;<a href="https://calmatters.org/legislator-tracker/carlos-villapudua-1968/">Carlos Villapudua</a>, a Stockton Democrat, moved through the Legislature even though other efforts to increase criminal penalties for fentanyl failed.

The bill, authored by Assemblymember&nbsp;<a href="https://calmatters.org/legislator-tracker/carlos-villapudua-1968/">Carlos Villapudua</a>, a Stockton Democrat, moved through the Legislature even though other efforts to increase criminal penalties for fentanyl failed.

“If there are not consequences, there will be repeat supply available,” Assemblymember <a href="https://calmatters.org/legislator-tracker/jim-patterson-1948/">Jim Patterson</a>, a Fresno Republican and author of one of the rejected bills, said after an April hearing on <a href="https://calmatters.org/newsletters/whatmatters/2023/04/california-fentanyl-legislature/">fentanyl bills in the Legislature</a>.

“If there are not consequences, there will be repeat supply available,” Assemblymember <a href="https://calmatters.org/legislator-tracker/jim-patterson-1948/">Jim Patterson</a>, a Fresno Republican and author of one of the rejected bills, said after an April hearing on <a href="https://calmatters.org/newsletters/whatmatters/2023/04/california-fentanyl-legislature/">fentanyl bills in the Legislature</a>.

Law enforcement groups, including the California Association of Highway Patrolmen, generally supported the new law. They said increased penalties will deter traffickers.

Law enforcement groups, including the California Association of Highway Patrolmen, generally supported the new law. They said increased penalties will deter traffickers.

Those who opposed the bill, including the California Public Defenders Association, said increasing penalties does little to deter people from using or selling drugs, including fentanyl.&nbsp;

Those who opposed the bill, including the California Public Defenders Association, said increasing penalties does little to deter people from using or selling drugs, including fentanyl.&nbsp;

“Relying on ever-increasing penalties for drug offenses has been extensively researched, and we can therefore make some educated predictions about the outcome of bills like AB 701,” the public defenders association wrote in opposition to the bill.&nbsp;

“Relying on ever-increasing penalties for drug offenses has been extensively researched, and we can therefore make some educated predictions about the outcome of bills like AB 701,” the public defenders association wrote in opposition to the bill.&nbsp;

“It would not reduce the distribution of fentanyl nor would it prevent overdoses; it would reduce neither the supply of drugs or the demand for them; and worse, it could actually discourage effective methods of dealing with the opioid crisis.”

“It would not reduce the distribution of fentanyl nor would it prevent overdoses; it would reduce neither the supply of drugs or the demand for them; and worse, it could actually discourage effective methods of dealing with the opioid crisis.”

Why is fentanyl drastically cheaper in San Francisco than in LA, NYC and Philly?

Deport fentanyl dealers? San Francisco mayor candidates aren’t sure

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Search Results for: fentanyl

Why is fentanyl drastically cheaper in San Francisco than in LA, NYC and Philly?

Deport fentanyl dealers? San Francisco mayor candidates aren’t sure

2024 brings stiffer penalties for fentanyl dealers in California as overdose crisis rages

Fentanyl trafficking strike force launched as U.S. and China pursue crackdown

Weak fentanyl named ‘soap’ is flooding the market — and spurring robberies