'Killer High': Fentanyl's grip on California explored in new ABC30 docuseries

FRESNO, Calif. (KFSN) -- Content Warning: This story contains accounts of drug use, addiction, overdose and suicide.

In 2021, ABC30 released "Killer High: The Silent Crisis", a groundbreaking documentary that exposed the rising dangers of fentanyl in the Central Valley. Building on the success of that project, ABC30 is launching a new docuseries that continues to follow this crisis, committing 12 months of coverage to examine its impact on families, schools, and communities across California. This is the first episode of the new series.

A growing crisis

Recent overdoses have once again placed fentanyl at the center of California's opioid epidemic. In the Central Valley, the highly potent synthetic opioid is leaving devastation in its wake - affecting families, schools, and entire communities.

The pills are often designed to look harmless, colorful, or even candy-like. But inside, authorities warn, can be a lethal dose.

A new reality

Law enforcement and health officials say fentanyl is changing the face of addiction.

Dean Cardinale, a Fresno police narcotics detective, described what he's seen on city streets.

"We now have full-blown fentanyl addicts," he said. "They're increasing the amount in the pills to feed the habit... it can take eight boxes of Narcan just to bring someone back."

Lisa Smittcamp, Fresno County District Attorney, added, "The cartels are putting fentanyl in everything. They're putting it in powder cocaine, methamphetamine. People who have used other drugs for years are now addicted to fentanyl, sometimes without even realizing it."

In the 12 month period from October 2023 to September 2024, California lost an estimated 5,182 people to fentanyl overdoses. That's one and a half times more than just five years earlier and 48 times higher compared to 10 years ago. Fresno, Madera, Merced, Tulare, Kings and Mariposa counties reported 180 deaths combined.

Families and schools on the front lines

The grief of families is fueling advocacy. Parents who have lost children say the system still isn't doing enough.

"That's unfathomable for me, to be standing here nearly four years later, and not a damn thing has been done," said Matt Capelouto, while standing in front of the state capitol in Sacramento. Capelouto lost his daughter to fentanyl poisoning.

In response, schools are stepping up. In 2023, Central Unified announced every middle and high school has Narcan in every classroom; a tool that can reverse overdoses if used in time.

Awareness campaigns are also making an impact.

"When you cover this with every class, freshmen through seniors, the message is resonating," Fresno County Sheriff John Zanoni said.

Washington Union sophmore Ameera Abughazalh said one assembly left her shaken.

"Seeing the mom like that, crying, broke my heart," she said. "I would never want my parents to go through that."

Recovery and resolve

For those who survived, the fight is daily. Howie Piper, a man in recovery, remembers the wake-up call that changed his life.

"I woke up in a situation I never thought I would - the person next to me wasn't alive anymore," he said. "That was the wake-up call. Why this person? Why not me?"

Now, seven years sober, he's turned to service work to keep himself grounded.

"Service work keeps me sober," he said. "You can't keep what you have if you don't give it away."

He and others in recovery are building community programs to spread awareness, provide support, and give people a place where they won't be judged.

Moving forward

California voters recently approved Proposition 36, giving prosecutors the ability to pursue tougher charges - even murder - against fentanyl dealers. It marks a new legal tool, though families argue it's only one piece of a larger puzzle that includes prevention, education, and treatment.

Smittcamp says her mission is simple.

"Fentanyl is the most dangerous drug any of us in law enforcement have ever seen," she said. "It will kill you. It can kill you. The most important thing we can do is prevent people from ever starting."

If you or someone you know is struggling with thoughts of suicide, help is available. Call or text the Suicide & Crisis Lifeline at 988 to connect with a trained counselor, 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. Support is free and confidential.

"Killer High" continues to explore these stories in depth - from grieving families to those who lived through the nightmare and found recovery. Watch the full program for the complete picture of the fight against fentanyl in California.

You can watch part two of "Killer High: The Series" here.