Home Department District Attorney Crime Units Special Operations Division Metro Narcotics Unit
Ron Freitas
District Attorney

District Attorney
Metro Narcotics Unit

Meth lab bustThe District Attorney Metro Narcotics Unit is responsible for investigating and prosecuting drug-related offenses within San Joaquin County. The unit plays a crucial role in the criminal justice system by enforcing drug laws and working towards reducing the prevalence of drug trafficking and abuse in the community. The Narcotics Unit functions include:

Prosecution: The primary role of the DA's narcotics unit is to prosecute cases involving drug offenses. This includes offenses related to the possession, sale, distribution, or manufacture of controlled substances.

Investigations: The narcotics unit often works closely with law enforcement agencies to investigate drug-related crimes. This can involve reviewing evidence from drug seizures, coordinating with undercover officers, or assisting in the execution of search warrants.

Legal Guidance: The unit provides legal guidance to law enforcement officers on matters related to drug enforcement. This could involve advising on the legality of certain investigative tactics or helping to ensure that evidence is collected in a way that is admissible in court.

Community Outreach: The narcotics unit may also engage in community outreach to educate the public about the dangers of drug abuse and the legal consequences of drug offenses.

Combatting narcotics abuse in poor urban areas requires a multi-faceted approach that addresses not only the supply of drugs but also the underlying social and economic issues that contribute to drug abuse. By addressing narcotics abuse in an approach that recognizes the complex factors at play, focusing on prevention, treatment, social support, community policing, and policy reform, it's possible to make significant strides in reducing narcotics abuse in San Joaquin County.