Police Issue Public Safety Alerts as Fentanyl Contamination Prompts Overdose Concerns
Police in Portland, Maine, issued a public safety alert after 7 suspected overdoses in under 20 hours, while Huntington, WV, police seized over 900 fentanyl-laced tablets disguised as cartoon characters. Both departments warned of dangerous fentanyl contamination in the drug supply.
Police departments in two cities issued public safety alerts in recent days as fentanyl contamination continues to endanger communities, with one city reporting a cluster of suspected overdoses and another seizing hundreds of drug tablets disguised as candy.
The Portland Police Department issued a public safety alert on Sunday in response to several recent overdoses, stating that "drugs appear to be coming into our city more potent than ever." As of 3 p.m. Sunday, there were 7 suspected overdoses in less than 20 hours, according to the department. Portland Police warned the public not to use drugs, and urged that anyone who does use substances should not do so alone, as drugs may be contaminated with fentanyl or other dangerous additives.
The department also recommended carrying naloxone — an overdose reversal drug commonly known as Narcan — and knowing how to use it. Signs of an overdose include slow or no breathing, unconsciousness or inability to wake, blue or gray lips or fingertips, and gurgling or choking sounds. Naloxone is available for free at many local organizations and pharmacies, and additional resources can be accessed by calling 2-1-1.
Meanwhile, in Huntington, West Virginia, the Huntington Police Department issued a public safety alert after the Huntington Violent Crime Task Force seized more than 900 multi-colored tablets pressed into the shape of a popular cartoon character on Tuesday. The tablets were brightly colored and approximately the size of a child's vitamin, increasing the likelihood they could be mistaken for candy, according to HPD.
Preliminary field testing conducted by investigators found the tablets tested positive for both MDMA — commonly known as "ecstasy" or "molly" — and fentanyl. The Huntington Police Department strongly urged parents and guardians to speak with their children and teenagers about the serious dangers of consuming unknown substances.