A sharp increase in suspected overdoses in Kansas City, Kansas, is due to fentanyl, a powerful drug sometimes added to other drugs, such as heroin, according to the Kansas City, Kansas, Police Department.
Police are warning the public tonight about the danger of illegal fentanyl, as well as opioids that may have been laced with fentanyl.
There were 23 overdoses last year, and so far this year there have been 41 suspected overdoses and nine deaths, according to Capt. Richard Harris of the Kansas City, Kansas, Police Department.
“In the last 30 days alone we have had 16 overdoses and 2 deaths –both of those have been minors, under the age of 17,” Capt. Harris said. “We are urging the public, especially parents, and anyone who has contact with young people, to pass this warning along. Hesitating to seek medical attention, even seconds, after ingesting one of these tainted pills can mean certain death.”
The majority of the fentanyl is coming in through Mexico, with some from Canada, also, according to police.
“We need the public to be aware that this warning is not just for those who are buying illegal fentanyl, but any type of opioid such as OxyContin, Vicodin, or morphine as there is a very real danger that they may have been cut or laced with fentanyl to increase their potency,” Capt. Harris said. “KCK is not unique; the increase in fentanyl overdoses and deaths is being seen across the United States. We have amateur pharmacists out on the street who clearly don’t know what they are doing, because they are creating lethal doses in a single pill.”
A spokesman said anyone with information related to the illegal use or distribution of narcotics or potential overdoses is strongly encouraged to call the Kansas City, Kansas, Police Department Narcotics Hotline (24 hours a day) at 913-573-6287 or the TIPS Hotline at 816-474-TIPS (8477).