“We applaud the work of the California DOJ-led Placer County Special Investigations Unit for its efforts to identify and arrest those who have supplied illicit fentanyl to someone who has died as a result of using it. Recently, Placer County successfully prosecuted such a suspect for murder. This should send a strong message to other dealers.”
CSLEA President Alan Barcelona
ROSEVILLE- On October 26, 2023, the Placer County District Attorney’s Office announced it filed murder charges against Brandon Garner, 42, in connection to a fentanyl death.
Garner was arrested after an investigation by the Placer County Special Investigations Unit, a collaborative effort by the California Department of Justice, the Placer County Sheriff’s Office, Roseville Police Department, Auburn Police Department, and Placer County Probation.
Garner appeared in court and the Public Defender’s Office was appointed to represent him. Garner did not enter a plea and the arraignment was continued to November 9th. According to the Placer County DA, Garner will be held at the Placer County jail without bail.
Fentanyl is a powerful and potentially addictive synthetic opioid that is up to 50 times stronger than heroin. A small amount of fentanyl, just two milligrams, can result in overdose and potentially death. Fentanyl can be found in different forms, including pills, powder, and liquid, and is produced legally through the legal pharmaceutical market and illegally through the illicit drug market. Illicit fentanyl has been found in many drugs, including heroin, methamphetamine, counterfeit pills, and cocaine. Fentanyl mixed with any drug increases the likelihood of a fatal overdose. Illicit fentanyl has also reportedly been produced in rainbow colors, potentially aimed at increasing consumption among users, especially young adults.
In California in 2020, 5,502 people died due to opioid overdose, and 3,946 died due to fentanyl overdose.
