In recent weeks, area law enforcement agencies, working with detectives from PANT, have been investigating several cases involving pills and tablets containing fentanyl. YCSO Spokesman Dwight D’Evelyn says even a small dose of fentanyl can cause the user to overdose or die and such incidents have occurred in Yavapai County in recent months. The high potency of fentanyl greatly increases risk of overdose especially if a person who uses drugs is unaware they contain fentanyl. D’Evelyn says the tablets being seen have no visible indication as to their content. Fentanyl is a powerful synthetic opioid analgesic that is similar to morphine but is 50 to 100 times more potent and is sold in powder form; spiked on blotter paper; mixed with or substituted for heroin; or as tablets that mimic other, less potent opioids. Its effects include euphoria, drowsiness, nausea, confusion, constipation, sedation, tolerance, addiction, respiratory depression and arrest, unconsciousness, coma, and death.
D’Evelyn says PANT investigations are ongoing with the goal of arresting suspects involved. D’Evelyn says as investigations conclude, information on specific cases will be released.
