The Kansas Bureau of Investigation and the Kansas Highway Patrol announced their newly formed task force, the Joint Fentanyl Impact Team, made its first major seizure of fentanyl pills.
JFIT was formed in June as the enforcement component of Attorney General Kris Kobach’s strategy to prevent fentanyl overdose deaths, according to a press release from the KBI.
“The objective of the JFIT is to identify and disrupt fentanyl trafficking and distribution networks, and remove this deadly drug from Kansas streets,” the press release said. “The team is comprised of KBI special agents and KHP troopers experienced in complex narcotics investigations. Team members are embedded alongside KBI agents operating across the state.”
On Monday, around 12:30 p.m., a JFIT investigation into suspicious activity led to the seizure of an estimated 25,000 counterfeit oxycodone pills, commonly referred to as “dirty 30s.” The pills are suspected to contain fentanyl, and in total weighed approximately 11 ½ pounds.
The seizure occurred near the intersection of Central and Oliver, in Wichita.
A 27-year-old male from Wichita was detained and questioned for being in possession of the pills. He was later arrested on outstanding warrants and booked into the Sedgwick County Jail. Charges related to the fentanyl seizure are pending. The investigation is ongoing.
“Pills containing fentanyl, like those taken off the streets this week, are causing extreme harm to our communities,” KBI Director Mattivi said. “This seizure will likely prevent many poisoning deaths, but we still have much work to do.”
Kobach said praised the seizure.
“I have made clear that the resources and energy of the KBI will be focused on the fentanyl threat,” he said. “This seizure is a result of that focus, in cooperation with KHP. This is a significant victory for Kansas law enforcement in the battle against fentanyl.
“We will continue to escalate our efforts in the months ahead.”
