California National Guard Sees 240% Jump in Fentanyl Seizures in September

The California National Guard (CalGuard) seized 891 pounds of fentanyl in September, marking a 240% increase since June, California Governor Gavin Newsom announced in a statement on November 2, 2025. 

The seized drug amounts to an estimated $6.75 million and means less dangerous drugs on the streets, Newsom said. 

Fentanyl is a synthetic opioid drug similar to heroin or morphine, according to the National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA). Like other opioids, fentanyl is addictive and can lead to mood changes, leading to an individual wanting to take more of the drug. 

Repeated use can cause dependence, and can cause individuals to feel normal only when they take the drug, according to NIDA. Since fentanyl is more potent than most other opioid drugs, even a small amount can cause a fatal overdose.  

Since beginning drug interdiction efforts in 2021, CalGuard has seized more than 34,350 pounds of fentanyl and over 50.6 million pills containing fentanyl, valued at more than $492 million, Newsom said. 

So far in 2025, CalGuard has intercepted 4,460 pounds of fentanyl, which is roughly 2 million pills, with an estimated value of about $36 million. 

U.S. citizens usually smuggle the drug into the country through ports of entry, Newsom said in the statement. More than 400 servicemembers are deployed across the state, including ports of entry, to seize illegal narcotics. 

About 32% of CalGuard’s personnel dedicated to the Counterdrug Task Force were reassigned by President Donald Trump to “unlawfully” militarize Los Angeles, Newsom noted. 

“Trump unlawfully and unnecessarily diverted our National Guard from vital missions, but we aren’t deterred from our mission to protect this state,” Newsom posted on social media. 

Trump unlawfully and unnecessarily diverted our National Guard from vital missions, but we aren’t deterred from our mission to protect this state.

California is seeing real progress in public safety thanks to @TheCalGuard under our command:

The Guard’s Counterdrug Task Force… pic.twitter.com/Dy3wBsDKAu

— Governor Gavin Newsom (@CAgovernor) November 2, 2025

Counterdrug Efforts in Schools

In addition to enforcement actions, CalGuard runs drug prevention efforts in elementary, middle, and high schools across California. 

The Drug Demand Reduction Outreach program has visited 58 schools and reached 8,970 students, according to the statement. 

From October 2024 through September 2025, the program reached over 112,000 students and visited 20 schools. The program conducts in-person outreach and understands students’ beliefs about their health using the Health Belief Model. 

CalGuard’s Humanitarian Efforts

Newsom has mobilized CalGuard to assist the San Diego Food Bank amid the delays in CalFresh benefits due to the ongoing federal government shutdown. 

Service members have been planning, packing, distributing, and delivering meals to families in need across California. This is similar to the governor’s actions during the COVID-19 pandemic, when CalGuard was deployed to help stabilize the immediate need of food banks due to the decline of volunteers. 

The role of CalGuard to help food banks is logistical, as they help food banks manage the surge in demand during the federal shutdown. 

Food benefits are delayed for 5.5 million Californians, including CalGuard service members, Newsom added.