Arizona

Fears of Fentanyl: Legalized test strip distribution underway in Arizona as synthetic opioid crisis rages on

Published

2 years ago

October 4, 2022

Fears of Fentanyl: Legalized test strip distribution underway in Arizona as synthetic opioid crisis rages on

Fears of Fentanyl: Legalized check strip distribution underway in Arizona as artificial opioid disaster rages on

PHOENIX – Arizona Governor Doug Ducey signed a invoice in 2021 legalizing check strips that may detect fentanyl in medication because the state has a front-row seat to the opioid disaster and the wave of fentanyl pouring into the nation.

Regulation enforcement says the southern border is the gateway.

A spokesperson for the Arizona Division of Well being Providers says a $100,000 federal opioid grant was key to delivering fentanyl check strips to a number of collaborating counties. The aim of the strip is to be an overdose prevention software, a lifesaver for individuals who do use medication.

Nick Baker survived a fentanyl overdose in September 2017.

“Once I get to the hospital, they inform my mother and father, ‘We will’t preserve his coronary heart going. We don’t know what he took, and it’s best to get his affairs so as, and it doesn’t look good,’” Baker stated.

He is aware of he used heroin that night time and believes it was laced with fentanyl.

Baker is a former soccer participant who says he relied on painkillers and fell into drug and alcohol dependancy.

“I had met my match and I had been defeated, however I used to be so indifferent from actuality at that time. That the one factor I knew the best way to do was to attempt to run away from this emotional feeling as shortly as I might. So in 24 hours from being out of the hospital, I used to be again to getting excessive,” he stated.

After waking up from a week-long coma, Baker began an up-and-down months-long journey to sobriety. He moved from Massachusetts to Arizona the place his life modified and he in the end bought clear.

“I ended looking that as my answer, , medication, alcohol, when I discovered true function for my ache,” he stated.

MORE: Arizona drug busts: A few of our most up-to-date, largest seizures

The fentanyl disaster, up to now

How efficient is fentanyl? Fifty to 100 instances stronger than morphine.

Illegally manufactured fentanyl falls below the class of artificial opioids and U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) says two milligrams is taken into account a deadly dose relying on one’s physique measurement and tolerance.

Between 2020 and 2021, artificial opioid overdose deaths within the U.S. elevated 23%, going from 57,834 to 71,238. In Arizona on the similar time interval, artificial opioid overdose deaths rose from 1,519 to 1,791.

65% of these deaths occurred in Maricopa County over these two years, totaling 2,170.

Between 2020 and 2021, artificial opioid overdose deaths in Arizona elevated.

Fentanyl is ‘headed in all places’

“So this yr, we’re already at over 1,200 kilos of fentanyl seized,” stated Arizona Division of Public Security (DPS) Sgt. Jesus Gastelum.

That is already surpassed the 2021 complete of 830 kilos.

Fixed site visitors stops are resulting in mounds of fentanyl capsules hidden in baggage, suitcases or behind automotive elements.

“The bigger portions, we discover them on the I-10 within the Tucson space or the Casa Grande or the world in between there,” Gastelum stated.

The medication are primarily being trafficked throughout the border from Mexico, he says, and Arizona isn’t the one vacation spot.

“They’re headed in all places. They are often headed right here from the border all the best way to Phoenix, or they are often headed from right here to Colorado or to Chicago. Wherever,” Gastelum stated.

DPS is seizing extra fentanyl than ever regardless of the division’s sworn personnel being quick by at the least 315. The biggest scarcity since 2018.

Arizona Division of Public Security Sgt. Jesus Gastelum.

Why check strips?

“Individuals which can be going out doing leisure cocaine on the weekend or shopping for that Xanax or shopping for that one Percocet, a easy swab can present you that, ‘Hey, in case you’re fully naive to opiates, that that is going to cease your coronary heart and kill you,’” Baker warned.

He volunteers with the Aris Basis, a nonprofit group serving to the homeless. The work begins in a warehouse and on Tuesday nights, his crew will move out garments, toiletries and different sources.

Baker can be attempting to maintain unsheltered folks alive, passing out Narcan and fentanyl check strips.

Whereas Narcan reverses an opioid overdose, fentanyl check strips can detect contamination in a substance, so one doesn’t unintentionally take it. Nonetheless, fentanyl check strips have solely been authorized in Arizona since September 2021.

Baker has been working with the state’s division of well being companies to get batches of fentanyl check strips persistently.

“If we don’t make the most of these sources, then the issue’s solely going to worsen,” he stated.

A spike in testing doubtlessly laced medication

Adrian Pittington is the lab supervisor at Sonictest Labs the place we have been in a position to see how the check strips work.

“A line being there more often than not means damaging on virtually each check I’ve seen. A line being absent means constructive,” he stated.

In simply minutes, we have been in a position to decide a pattern of oxycodone is fentanyl free.

The lab supervisor says testing for fentanyl is one thing many employers are requesting nowadays.

“Most likely probably the most shocking change was unexpectedly everyone began asking me to check for fentanyl,” Pittington stated.

What’s subsequent?

Baker continues to request extra check strips and Narcan to maintain these battling dependancy alive, so he could make a life-changing connection.

“How will we get extra folks to have a dialog? Actually easy, proper? Have a dialog,” he remarked.

Thus far, the state has distributed check strips to 6 counties: Pima, Coconino, Mohave, Cochise, Navajo and Yavapai. Maricopa County Public Well being is presently working with the Facilities for Illness Management and Prevention for funding to make the check strips broadly accessible in Arizona’s most populous county.

Associated experiences:

Greater than 8M fentanyl capsules seized in Phoenix

The U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration has introduced the seizure of greater than 8 million fentanyl capsules in Phoenix as a part of a nationwide operation spanning over three months.

Over 1 million fentanyl capsules discovered throughout site visitors cease, Phoenix PD says

Phoenix Police say Francisco Delgado and Jose Quinonez have been arrested after multiple million fentanyl capsules have been discovered inside Delgado’s truck throughout a site visitors cease.

$4.3M in fentanyl capsules seized in I-8 site visitors cease close to Gila Bend

Brokers discovered 340 packages crammed with 187 kilos of fentanyl capsules on I-8. The medication have an estimated worth of $4.3 million.

‘It’s extra terrifying now than I’ve ever seen’: DEA brokers wanted amid spike in meth, fentanyl trafficking

The DEA is seeking to rent hundreds of recent brokers throughout the nation and is hoping to get the higher hand within the warfare towards medication and assist save lives. This comes because the variety of medication, particularly, meth and fentanyl, flooding into our nation, reaches file ranges.

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Arizona

Arizona Lottery Pick 3, Fantasy 5 results for June 30, 2024

Published

2 hours ago

July 1, 2024

Press Room

Arizona Lottery Pick 3, Fantasy 5 results for June 30, 2024

The Arizona Lottery offers multiple draw games for those aiming to win big.

Arizona offers Powerball, Mega Millions, The Pick, Triple Twist, Fantasy 5 and Pick 3 as well as Scratchers, Quick Draw and Fast Play.

Lottery players have seen enormous jackpots recently, with previous winners of both the Powerball and Mega Millions breaking into the top 10 largest jackpots in U.S. lottery history. Money raised from Arizona lottery games goes toward funding higher education, health and human services, environmental conservation and economic and business development in the state.

Pick 3

2-0-3

Check Pick 3 payouts and previous drawings here.

Fantasy 5

05-12-16-19-38

Check Fantasy 5 payouts and previous drawings here.

Triple Twist

01-08-11-19-30-40

Check Triple Twist payouts and previous drawings here.

Feeling lucky? Explore the latest lottery news and results

Are you a winner? Here’s how to claim your lottery prize

All Arizona Lottery retailers will redeem prizes up to $100 and may redeem winnings up to $599. For prizes over $599, winners can submit winning tickets through the mail or in person at Arizona Lottery offices. By mail, send a winner claim form, winning lottery ticket and a copy of a government-issued ID to P.O. Box 2913, Phoenix, AZ 85062.

To submit in person, sign the back of your ticket, fill out a winner claim form and deliver the form, along with the ticket and government-issued ID to any of these locations:

Phoenix Arizona Lottery Office: 4740 E. University Drive, Phoenix, AZ 85034, 480-921-4400. Hours: 7:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Friday, closed holidays. This office can cash prizes of any amount.

Tucson Arizona Lottery Office: 2955 E. Grant Road, Tucson, AZ 85716, 520-628-5107. Hours: 7:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Friday, closed holidays. This office can cash prizes of any amount.

Phoenix Sky Harbor Lottery Office: Terminal 4 Baggage Claim, 3400 E. Sky Harbor Blvd., Phoenix, AZ 85034, 480-921-4424. Hours: 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Sunday, closed holidays. This office can cash prizes up to $49,999.

Kingman Arizona Lottery Office: Inside Walmart, 3396 Stockton Hill Road, Kingman, AZ 86409, 928-753-8808. Hours: 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. Monday through Friday, 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday and Sunday, closed holidays. This office can cash prizes up to $49,999.

Check previous winning numbers and payouts at https://www.arizonalottery.com/.

Winning lottery numbers are sponsored by Jackpocket, the official digital lottery courier of the USA TODAY Network.

Where can you buy Arizona lottery tickets?

Tickets can be purchased in person at gas stations, convenience stores and grocery stores. Some airport terminals may also sell lottery tickets.

You can also order tickets online through Jackpocket, the official digital lottery courier of the USA TODAY Network, in these U.S. states and territories: Arizona, Arkansas, Colorado, Idaho, Maine, Massachusetts, Minnesota, Montana, Nebraska, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New Mexico, New York, Ohio, Oregon, Puerto Rico, Texas, Washington, D.C., and West Virginia. The Jackpocket app allows you to pick your lottery game and numbers, place your order, see your ticket and collect your winnings all using your phone or home computer.

Jackpocket is the official digital lottery courier of the USA TODAY Network. Gannett may earn revenue for audience referrals to Jackpocket services. Must be 18+, 21+ in AZ and 19+ in NE. Not affiliated with any State Lottery. Gambling Problem? Call 1-877-8-HOPE-NY or text HOPENY (467369) (NY); 1-800-327-5050 (MA); 1-877-MYLIMIT (OR); 1-800-981-0023 (PR); 1-800-GAMBLER (all others). Visit jackpocket.com/tos for full terms.

This results page was generated automatically using information from TinBu and a template written and reviewed by an Arizona Republic editor. You can send feedback using this form.

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Arizona

Diamondbacks Reportedly DFA Veteran Catcher Tucker Barnhart

Published

9 hours ago

June 30, 2024

Press Room

Diamondbacks Reportedly DFA Veteran Catcher Tucker Barnhart

According to the Arizona Republic’s Nick Piecoro, the Arizona Diamondbacks have reportedly designated veteran catcher Tucker Barnhart for assignment. The move has not yet been made official by the team.

This will free up a roster spot for primary catcher Gabriel Moreno to make his return from the 10-day IL on time, as was expected.

Barnhart, 33, had signed a minor league deal with the club to compete and eventually win the backup catcher role, but, in his limited playing time, had failed to create much of an impact both offensively and defensively.

Such is to be expected of an aging backup catcher, but his .173/.287/.210 slash stands out, despite putting together a couple of clutch RBI hits in recent weeks. Barnhart served as a calming veteran presence for a number of pitchers on the staff, but, at a certain point, a complete lack of production at the plate and defensive prowess gives reason to sacrifice his off-field value.

It comes as a bit of a surprise that Arizona opted to part with the veteran, rather than optioning Jose Herrera back to Triple-A Reno, although Herrera’s low numbers are currently the result of a small sample size. The 27-year-old slashed .260/.351/.362 in Triple-A, and has been with the D-backs’ organization since 2013, signing initially at 16 years old.

This move also implies that Arizona is comfortable moving forward with young prospect Adrian Del Castillo serving as their catcher depth, in the event of another injury to Moreno or Herrera.

Del Castillo has been an offensive force in Reno, slashing a monstrous .324/.399/.603 with 30 doubles, 15 home runs and 49 RBI in 49 games. He’s not the defensive wizard that the D-backs have in Moreno, and provides little value in controlling baserunners, but it’s hard to ignore offensive numbers of that magnitude, even in a hitter-friendly Pacific Coast League.

But it’s not just Del Castillo raking in Triple-A. Behind him on the depth chart is 26-year-old Ronaldo Hernandez.

Hernandez spent time with the Boston Red Sox in 2022 and 2023, and was signed to a minor league deal with the D-backs in January of 2024. He’s hitting at a relatively close second to Del Castillo. Although only playing 34 games, he’s slashing .333/.379/.556, with six doubles and six home runs.

In any event, the decision to DFA Barnhart does offer some clarity on Arizona’s long-term plans at the catcher position. Although a backup catcher is not generally the player with the strongest bat, the team is likely looking to get younger, and, of course, hope they don’t have to make do without their young stud Moreno for more than an occasional day off going forward.

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Arizona

Evacuation orders lifted for some Arizona residents forced from their homes days ago by a wildfire

Published

16 hours ago

June 30, 2024

Press Room

Evacuation orders lifted for some Arizona residents forced from their homes days ago by a wildfire

SCOTTSDALE, Ariz. — Evacuation orders in Arizona have been lifted for some residents of northeast Scottsdale, days after they were forced from their homes by a wildfire, authorities said Sunday.

The Boulder View Fire was 19% contained Sunday after charring nearly 6 square miles (15 square kilometers) on the cusp of the Boulder Heights subdivision since Thursday.

About 60 homes were evacuated Friday. No injuries have been reported and no structures have been damaged.

Authorities said the cause of the fire remains under investigation. It began about 5 miles (8 kilometers) outside northern Scottsdale on the edge of the Tonto National Forest.

Maricopa County Department of Emergency Management officials said evacuations were lowered from “GO” to “SET” status Saturday evening for some displaced residents preparing to return home.

Scottsdale officials have notified homeowners that the north part of the McDowell Sonoran Preserve, including all trails, will be closed until further notice. They called that a precautionary move and said there was no immediate threat to the preserve.

Tiffany Davila, a spokesperson for the Arizona Department of Forestry and Fire Management, said nearly 270 firefighters were battling the wildfire in triple-digit heat on Sunday.

She said there was a chance of thunderstorms in the fire area Sunday evening and that could make firefighting efforts more complicated due to gusty winds and lightning strikes.

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