‘I don’t think people know it’s being laced’: Central Georgia law enforcement tackles fentanyl

MACON, Ga. — This month, the CDC shared a staggering statistic on drug overdoses. Practically 108,000 Individuals died from overdoses final yr. It is essentially the most ever, and about 15% greater than the final report set in 2020.

Overdoses involving fentanyl and different artificial opioids topped 71,000, accounting for about two thirds of all deadly overdoses in 2021.

In line with the Drug Enforcement Company, opioid deaths jumped almost 40% from 2020 to 2021. Regulation enforcement companies in Central Georgia have seen that pattern too. They are saying the principle wrongdoer is fentanyl. Crisp County Sheriff Billy Hancock says even touching the drug can pose hazard.

“In the event that they contact it with their palms or one way or the other ingest a part of it, that they might be affected by that drug,” Hancock stated.

The DEA says fentanyl is a robust artificial opioid 100 occasions stronger than morphine. It is typically used to deal with extreme ache after surgical procedure, however they are saying it is making its method into leisure medication; it is usually invisible to individuals who ingest it. Sheriff Hancock says he is seen that pattern, too.

“I do not suppose folks know it is being laced, or they definitely would not take it. After which there is a excessive that goes with it similar to any medicine or drug that they are abusing or taking,” Hancock stated.

He says it may be extraordinarily deadly. Simply sufficient fentanyl mud to cowl the tip of a ballpoint pen will be sufficient to kill you, he stated.

Sergeant Kemeyan Colvard with the Monroe County Sheriff’s Workplace says they’ve seen the rise, too. Colvard says all deputies there carry Narcan with them on calls. The drug can reverse results of opioids, probably saving lives.

“To have one thing that may probably save your life or another person’s life, it makes you’re feeling an entire lot higher,” Colvard stated. “, earlier than EMS can get there.”

Colvard says saving folks within the second is barely a part of it.

“We attempt to educate them and allow them to know, ‘Hey, you do not know what’s in these medication,’” he stated.

Sheriff Hancock echoed the identical.

“We have to educate the general public after which we have to do an enforcement on it,” he stated.

Hancock says it is necessary that you recognize the place your medicine comes from, and to purchase it within the retailer; not on the road. He asks you to name their tip line at (229) 322-8891 if you recognize anybody promoting fentanyl. He says one name can save lives.

If a liked one or buddy overdoses, name 911, and provides them Narcan when you’ve got it. Georgia has a ‘911 Medical Amnesty Regulation’ that protects anybody searching for medical help for a drug overdose from being charged with a drug violation.

If you’re or somebody you recognize is combating habit, attain out to the Substance Abuse and Psychological Well being Companies’ Administration Helpline at 1 (800) 662-HELP (4357).