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Orlando, FL - Florida’s State Assistance for Fentanyl Eradication, or SAFE program, is credited with helping law enforcement dismantle drug trafficking operations and seize record amounts of fentanyl across the state.
Governor Ron DeSantis highlighted the program’s results during a visit to a Florida Department of Law Enforcement facility in Orlando, accompanied by Lieutenant Governor Jay Collins.
DeSantis said the initiative, now in its second year, has significantly increased law enforcement resources for tackling cartel activity and reducing the flow of deadly drugs into communities.
“The SAFE program is delivering results across Florida,” DeSantis said.
“It is helping law enforcement take down cartel operations and achieve record-breaking seizures of fentanyl and other deadly substances. I will be recommending additional funding this year, and the legislature should fully support this life-saving program.”
Established in 2023, the SAFE grant program provides funding to local and state law enforcement agencies for large-scale drug operations.
Since its inception, 200 approved investigations have resulted in 2,127 arrests and the seizure of 485 pounds of fentanyl, along with more than 63,000 fentanyl pills.
Officials noted this quantity could potentially be lethal to over 100 million people.
Additional seizures under SAFE include 545 pounds of cocaine, over 300 pounds of methamphetamine, $4.6 million in cash, more than 730 firearms, and 67 vehicles connected to drug trafficking.
Florida Department of Law Enforcement Commissioner Mark Glass emphasized the program’s impact on curbing cartel activity.
“If you are pushing poison into Florida, FDLE will catch you and ensure you face justice,” he said.
DeSantis also cited a notable case in Polk County, where the sheriff’s office, working with FDLE, seized 64 pounds of fentanyl, enough to potentially harm 14 million people.
Polk County has accounted for more than 25 percent of all fentanyl captured through SAFE operations.