The Fayetteville Police Department is alerting the community following a recent increase in suspected fentanyl-related overdoses within the City of Fayetteville.
Over the past several days, officers and emergency medical personnel have responded to an elevated number of overdose incidents in which fentanyl or other opioids are suspected. The increase has prompted concern that particularly potent or contaminated illegal drugs may currently be circulating in the Fayetteville area.
Fentanyl is a powerful synthetic opioid that can be fatal in extremely small amounts. Illicit fentanyl is also frequently mixed with other drugs, including heroin, cocaine, methamphetamine and counterfeit prescription pills. Individuals may therefore be exposed to fentanyl without knowing it.
The Fayetteville Police Department strongly urges members of the community to recognize the increased risk and take appropriate precautions.
Anyone who witnesses a suspected overdose should call 911 immediately. Signs of an opioid overdose may include unconsciousness or an inability to wake, slow or stopped breathing, pinpoint pupils, choking or gurgling sounds, and blue or discolored lips or fingertips.
Naloxone (Narcan) can temporarily reverse an opioid overdose and save a life. If naloxone is available, administer it immediately and call 911. Because fentanyl can be extremely potent, more than one dose of naloxone may be necessary. Do not leave the individual alone while waiting for emergency personnel to arrive.
North Carolina law provides certain protections for individuals who seek emergency medical assistance during an overdose. Fear of legal consequences should never prevent someone from calling 911 when a life is at risk.
The Fayetteville Police Department is actively monitoring these incidents and working with local, state, and federal partners to identify potential sources of fentanyl and other dangerous substances being distributed within the community.
Individuals struggling with substance use, as well as their family members and friends, are encouraged to seek treatment and keep naloxone readily available.
Fayetteville Police Department's immediate priority is preventing additional loss of life. Fentanyl does not discriminate, and one exposure can be fatal. They are asking everyone in the community to take this warning seriously and to call 911 immediately if an overdose is suspected.
Anyone with information regarding the distribution of fentanyl or other illegal narcotics in Fayetteville is encouraged to contact the Fayetteville Police Department or submit information through CrimeStoppers. .
Anonymous tips can be submitted to Fayetteville / Cumberland County Crime Stoppers by calling (910) 483-TIPS (8477). Crimestoppers information can also be submitted electronically, by visiting http://fay-nccrimestoppers.org and completing the anonymous online tip sheet, or by downloading the free “P3 Tips” app available for Apple devices in the Apple App Store and available for Android devices in Google Play.
A video public service announcement can be found at https://canva.link/kva0za13hkd5f3l