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Saying goodbye to 2022 and wondering what to look forward to in 2023? 

Saying goodbye to 2022 and wondering what to look forward to in 2023? 

One thing we are sadly still confronting is “fentanyl!” It still changes everything, and we have a long way to go in getting ahead regarding education and awareness. 

We are still astounded that fentanyl remains a problem that most don’t seem to know exists. With approximately 80% of the illicit drugs deaths occurring nationwide being attributable to fentanyl toxicity, where is the public outcry? Why is illicit fentanyl not at the forefront of a governmental, national public awareness campaign? WHY? Absent anything that tears away at the stigma of addiction, most will maintain the feeling that “It won’t happen to my family or me.” Famous last words!

Fentanyl has little to do on the surface with addiction. Once again, Fentanyl is the first black-market drug that, taken in minute amounts, can result in death. First-time drug users, recreational users, and those seeking to self-medicate are falling prey to this poison, not because of addiction but because of deception. Taking something they believe to be one thing, only to find out too late that it contained illicit fentanyl, is deception. In being deceived, they have been poisoned. You cannot overdose on something you were unaware of being present in the product you were given/purchased. 2mg is considered to be a fatal amount to most people. 2mg! In the case of fake pills, DEA analysis of seized products is now discovering that 60% contain that fatal dose. Six out of ten pills! And 100% of the time, any pill obtained anywhere other than from a physician or pharmacy is fake. It’s simply not worth the risk.

And again, as we emphasized last month, the ability to experiment with drugs is out the door. Fentanyl, and the manner it is being manufactured and distributed eliminates the ability to experiment with any street drug. 

We’re not trying to be redundant with this information, but it is so distinctly true that it bears repeating.

ONE PILL, ONE LINE, ONE TIME! Your first time could very well be your last. The
ability to experiment with drugs is out the door. Fentanyl, and the manner it is being manufactured and distributed eliminates the ability to experiment with any street drug.

We’re not trying to be redundant with this information, but it is so distinctly true that it bears repeating.

ONE PILL, ONE LINE, ONE TIME! Your first time could very easily be your last.

Jaime Puerta is a United States Marine Corps veteran and the Founder and CEO of Puerta & Associates, Inc., a California-based interpreting firm.

In April 2020, Jaime's 16-year-old son, Daniel, tragically lost his life after ingesting a counterfeit pill laced with illicit fentanyl that he had unknowingly purchased through Snapchat. This devastating loss compelled Jaime to take action—transforming his grief into a nationwide mission to prevent similar tragedies.

He is the Co-Founder and President of Victims of Illicit Drugs (VOID), a nonprofit organization dedicated to educating the public about the lethal dangers of counterfeit pills and advocating for stronger policies to stop fentanyl trafficking. Jaime is also the Co-Chair of Project Facing Fentanyl, the organization behind the official National Fentanyl Prevention and Awareness Day observed annually on August 21st.

In addition, Jaime serves as an Advisory Board Member to the Alliance to Counter Crime Online (A.C.C.O.), where he helps advance efforts to hold online platforms accountable for enabling drug trafficking and other criminal activities targeting youth.

Through VOID and his advocacy work, Jaime partners with families, lawmakers, and law enforcement to demand the removal of illicit drug trafficking from social media and other digital platforms. A powerful and effective public speaker, he shares Daniel's story with students, parents, educators, and policymakers to expose the deceptive nature of counterfeit pills and the urgent need for comprehensive education and prevention.

Jaime's tireless efforts aim to pass common-sense legislation, protect future generations, and bring national attention to the fentanyl crisis claiming thousands of lives each year.

Steve Filson was raised in Huntington Beach and has been a resident of San Bernardino since 1976 when he relocated there after his service in the U.S. Air Force. He retired in 2009 after a 31-year career with the San Bernardino County Sheriff and San Bernardino Police Department. Steve is the owner of a private security company and is a staff member of the Public Safety Academy, a public charter school in San Bernardino.

Most importantly, Steve is Jessica’s Dad. Jessica was his 29-year-old daughter killed in Redlands on January 22, 2022, along with her boyfriend, Nicholas, due to fentanyl poisoning. Steve lives in Highland, California, with his wife, Cheri, and their five-year-old granddaughter, Elara. He and other bereaved parents formed V.O.I.D., “Victims of Illicit Drugs,” as a California non-profit corporation and dedicate their efforts to education and awareness of this fentanyl scourge confronting our society.

Rocklin, CA resident Chris Didier lost his 17-year-old son, Zachary Didier, to fentanyl two days after Christmas in 2020. Zach was an Eagle Scout, soccer player, and beloved member of the community who had no history of drug use. Chris Didier has dedicated himself to raising awareness of the dangers of fentanyl, and has no doubt saved the lives of many students like Zach through his efforts. 

During his 22-year military career, Lt. Col. Didier flew the C-21 and F-15E. He currently flies the Boeing 787 for United Airlines.

Mathew Brodman is an accomplished senior executive with over 28 years of expertise in global homeland security leadership, strategic planning, and harnessing emerging technologies to address complex threats. A results-driven leader, Mathew has successfully managed a workforce of over 10,000 law enforcement professionals across more than 50 countries, fostering collaboration between public and private sectors. As an accredited diplomat, he has built strong and lasting relationships within the international law enforcement and intelligence communities, while driving innovative programs and initiatives.

During his tenure as Deputy Assistant Director at Homeland Security Investigations (HSI), Mathew played a key leadership role in evaluating and enhancing operational performance to address evolving transnational threats. Notably, he was instrumental in designing and implementing the Department of Homeland Security's initial counter-fentanyl strategy, demonstrating his commitment to tackling the ongoing fentanyl crisis. Beyond his professional responsibilities, Mathew remains actively involved in raising awareness about the challenges posed by fentanyl. He currently serves as an advisory board member with Voices for Awareness and Facing Fentanyl.

Throughout his career, Mathew has consistently demonstrated exceptional leadership in building alliances, fostering cross-sector collaboration, and leveraging strategic relationships to address critical security issues. His expertise spans policy implementation, crisis management, risk mitigation, and the integration of advanced technologies to strengthen security operations.