Troy police urge students to be aware of the dangers of potentially laced drugs after an uptick of accidental overdoses in the area.
Party drugs such as oxycodone (M-30) and MDMA, also known as molly or ecstasy, have been found to contain trace amounts of fentanyl, a drug that is extremely fatal, even in microscopic amounts.
“We are starting to see [fentanyl overdoses] in our area, our county,” said Chief of Troy Police Danny Barron. “We really just want to make people aware of the dangers.”
Barron said that saving lives is their top priority.
“We hope to put a stop to it,” Barron said. “It could be your friend, your kid -- anyone could be next.
“If we can save even one life, we’re happy.”
For some, the danger of fentanyl hits close to home.
“I had a family member overdose last year on fentanyl due to laced pills,” said Joanne Jobs, a student at Troy. “Those pills were laced with percocet, fentanyl and ketamine.
“These pills were definitely meant to kill my family member. This experience was traumatizing as I was petrified of losing someone close to me from addiction of all things.”
Jobs’ family member was rushed to the hospital but had to be placed on life support.
“I remember my family and I being petrified that they weren’t going to wake up, or they weren’t going to be the same when they woke up,” Jobs said. “The doctors told us that this individual was more than likely to wake up with brain damage, or they may not wake up at all.
Jobs’ family tried to help their family member recover, but they are afraid the same situation may happen again.
One former Pike County narcotics agent says the most dangerous factor of fentanyl is how inconspicuous it can be.
“Dealers will sometimes put fentanyl into the pills and sell on the streets,” the agent said. “It’s not just the streets to be cautious of; these laced pills can be sold online too. You will also see Tylenol and other medications that are laced with it.”
The agent said fentanyl can even be laced in non-pill form drugs.
“Obviously, they mix it with illegal drugs too,” the agent said. “Powder [cocaine], meth and marijuana.
“It should definitely scare people because it is odorless, tasteless and textureless.”
Narcan can be a lifesaver in the event of an overdose.
“This event scarred my family,” Jobs said. “Narcan needs to be more accessible.
“If we wouldn’t have gotten this family member to the hospital when we did, it would have been too late. Narcan is so important, and it does save lives.”
According to Healthline.com, naloxone, generic for Narcan, is an over-the-counter nasal spray or injection that is used to treat opioid overdoses.
Naloxone belongs to a group of drugs called opioid antagonists, meaning it counteracts opioid signaling and helps return the nervous system to a state of balance.
Naloxone works rapidly, helping restore breathing in just a few minutes and can maintain opioid signal blocking for up to an hour and a half, allowing more time for further medical attention.
Inhibitor drugs like naloxone are important because of the speed with which fentanyl can be fatal. According to The National Institute of Drug Abuse, opioid overdose causes a slowing in the depth and rate of breathing, causing a series of organ failures and ultimately death.
Opioids attach to receptors in the brain stem and other major parts of the brain and body, causing these deadly manifestations. Naloxone blocks opioids from attaching to these receptors, preventing further cell shut down.
“We strongly encourage anyone to have Narcan on hand,” Barron said. “Really think twice before you take street drugs.
“You’re rolling the dice with your life.”
Narcan is available at most major retailers, including Publix, CVS and Walgreens. The Alabama Department of Mental Health will provide a free Narcan kit upon completion of their online naloxone use training course.
On Friday, Oct. 18, Stopwatch Urgent Care on Highway 231 will be giving out free Narcan and addiction recovery information from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. sponsored by Self Recovery Detox and the PEIR program.
Those who know someone using or selling drugsare encouraged to contact the Troy Police Department at 334-566-0500, the Troy police secret witness line at 334-566-5555 or Central Alabama CrimeStoppers at 334-215-7867.
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