A small city in Alabama has become a hotspot for drugs, prompting police to take back their community. Retired ATF agent Lou Valoze is leading a new series on Investigation Discovery called “Operation Undercover,” which showcases real-life undercover operations aimed at keeping communities safe. The first episode focuses on Oxford, Alabama, a town with high fentanyl activity. Fentanyl, an opioid 50 times more potent than heroin, is being produced in super labs in Mexico and brought over the border. It is cheap to make, potent, and driving an overdose crisis deadlier than any other the U.S. has seen.
Overdoses from all drugs have claimed more than 100,000 lives in 2021, surpassing the number of gun and auto deaths combined. Fentanyl is laced into many illicit drugs, contributing to the surge in deaths. While some officials suggest tightening control of the U.S.-Mexico border, experts argue that reducing drug demand is key to addressing the crisis. Valoze details the connection between Mexico and Oxford, highlighting the business-like operations of drug cartels. The police in Oxford have been proactive in combatting drug and sex trafficking through the use of informants and undercover officers, yielding impressive results.
The Oxford Police Department has been successful in conducting investigations, relying on intelligence gathering and surveillance to prepare for dangerous situations. Valoze emphasizes that undercover investigations are conducted to save lives and make communities safer. He dispels the misconception that undercover operations are unfair, noting that they are crucial in addressing issues such as fentanyl overdoses, gun violence, and human trafficking. The undercover officers involved in these operations work tirelessly to protect their community and ensure safety without seeking fame or fortune.
“Operation Undercover” aims to shed light on the essential role of undercover operations in maintaining community safety. The show showcases the dedication and bravery of undercover officers who put their lives at risk to combat illegal drugs, guns, and human trafficking. Valoze highlights the importance of these operations and the true understanding they provide about the challenges faced by law enforcement officials. Viewers are encouraged to appreciate the work of undercover officers and the sacrifices they make to keep communities safe. The series premieres on Investigation Discovery on November 12 and will air new episodes weekly.
The episode also explores the impact of fentanyl overdoses and the challenges faced by law enforcement in combating drug trafficking. Through exclusive footage of undercover stings targeting arms dealers, drug suppliers, and human traffickers, viewers gain insight into the dangerous and difficult aspect of undercover work. The police in Oxford have taken a proactive stance against drug activity and sex trafficking, focusing on hotels located off the highway where criminal activities are prevalent. By leveraging informants and undercover officers, the police have achieved remarkable results in combating these issues.