The Kern County Grand Jury says Arvin City leaders have blocked new technology allowing police to fight fentanyl cases in the city.

A report released Tuesday titled “Kern County Fentanyl Misuse and Overdose Prevention” states the Arvin Police Department tried to buy license plate readers and drones in the fight against the drug, but the city council stalled the plan.

The State of California has granted $10.5 million to different Kern County law enforcement agencies and education and medical providers. Arvin received $700,000, but the panel is questioning how the city is using the money.

The Grand Jury warns Arvin’s delay could make drug crimes worse and is urging the city to approve the technology by September 30.

Kern County established the Kern County Misuse and Overdose Prevention Task Force in July 2024. The county saw a rise in the number of fentanyl-related deaths over the years, from two cases in 2016 to 297 in 2023.

Kern also ranks 8 out of the 58 counties in California in fentanyl overdose deaths per capita.