The drug war is putting the lives of Americans at risk, with small town police on the front lines.

In Alabama, a tiny city has emerged as a hub for drug use, prompting law enforcement to intensify their efforts to reclaim their neighborhood.

According to Lou Valoze, a retired agent with the ATF, the majority of the men and women in question grew up in the area.

"Valoze stated that the residents who are fighting this war to protect their community are doing so because it is very personal to them. The most dangerous and difficult aspect of law enforcement, which is undercover work, is what they are doing, as it is the most effective tool in combating illegal drugs, illegal guns, and human trafficking."

"Operation Undercover," a new series on Investigation Discovery (ID), takes viewers "behind the scenes" of real-life covert police operations that keep communities safe. The show features exclusive footage of undercover stings targeting arms dealers, drug suppliers, and human traffickers, among others.

The first episode, which airs on November 12th, centers on Oxford, Alabama, a town situated along Highway 20, which connects Atlanta to Birmingham. This region has attracted the attention of investigators due to its high rate of fentanyl activity. Fentanyl, an opioid that is 50 times stronger than heroin, has become the preferred drug of choice for smugglers in the area, according to the episode.

"Valoze explained that the super labs, mostly located in Mexico, produce and bring over the potent drug, which is cheap to make and requires only a small amount for desired results. The drug is then made available everywhere, either in its pure form or mixed with other substances, at a very low cost."

Valoze stated that the combination of availability and affordability is the reason for the rapid spread of the disease, resulting in daily deaths.

The overdose crisis in the U.S. is being fueled by synthetic opioids, including fentanyl, resulting in a death toll that surpasses any previous record. In 2021, over 100,000 lives were lost due to overdoses from all drugs, and the number of deaths in 2022 remained nearly the same, exceeding the combined death toll from guns and cars.

In 2021, the federal government recorded more accidental overdose deaths than in the previous 20 years combined. Overdoses have increased dramatically in recent years, far surpassing the rates during the black tar heroin epidemic and the cocaine crisis.

Fentanyl's potency and its presence in various illicit drugs are believed to have contributed to the increase in deaths, according to experts.

Politicians and officials are sounding alarms, but some advocates warn that these alarms may be incorrect and harmful.

The experts suggest that reducing drug demand is the key to controlling the drug crisis, despite the belief that tightening control of the U.S.-Mexico border would stop the flow of drugs. Additionally, there is a concern that fentanyl could be found in children's trick-or-treat baskets on Halloween, and researchers have found that merely touching the drug briefly can be fatal, contrary to previous beliefs.

First responders may hesitate to provide lifesaving treatment due to concerns raised by advocates about the potential consequences of this information.

The first episode of "Operation Undercover" focuses on the link between Mexico and Oxford.

"Valoze stated that the connection in small towns across the country is similar, with cartels operating in a business-like manner, just like Fortune 500 companies manage their organizations. They have significant distribution centers in the southeast."

""Miami is also a major distribution point, and they create territories for their distribution like any business," he said."

Valoze pointed out that drug dealers often establish "territories" in cities near major highways for easier accessibility, and Oxford is located "pretty much right in the middle" of Highway 20.

"The Oxford Police Department has become proactive. A lot of the drug activity and a lot of the sex trafficking is happening at the hotels that are right off the highway," he said.

"Using informants and undercover officers, they are actively combating the problem and achieving remarkable results."

Valoze was impressed with the Oxford Police Department's successful investigation methods during filming.

He stated that he comes from a federal background with numerous resources. In smaller cities, they often lack the same resources, yet they behaved similarly to how federal agencies operate.

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"Through intelligence gathering and surveillance, they gather information on their opponents and work with other departments to ensure their success. When they send an agent or undercover officer into a dangerous situation, they have already stacked the deck in their favor."

"Valoze stated, "They spent their weeks monitoring these individuals, gathering information about their sleeping patterns, habits, and activities. This intelligence allowed for a successful undercover operation. Additionally, their preparation, including the SWAT teams, intelligence gathering, and surveillance, was exceptional when it was time to apprehend these individuals.""

Valoze pointed out that a common misconception about undercover investigations is that they are "unfair to one side."

"The grim truth is that people are dying due to various reasons such as fentanyl and heroin overdoses, gun violence, and human trafficking and sex trafficking. The goal of these undercover investigations is to prevent harm and ensure the safety of the community."

Valoze mused, "This work has no fame or fortune attached to it. There are few accolades for these undercover officers, who are men and women, dedicated to ensuring public safety."

"When you watch "Operation Undercover," you will gain a deeper appreciation for their work and why they do it. You will gain a comprehensive understanding of why these undercover operations are crucial for maintaining public safety."

The TV series "Operation Undercover" will debut on Tuesday, November 12th at 10 p.m., with new episodes released every week. The Associated Press provided input for this report.