BFPD: ‘Fentanyl incidents increase in community’
Fentanyl seized by the Bonners Ferry Police Department. In 2022, there have been five separate arrests where fentanyl has been seized by law enforcement.
Photo courtesy of BONNERS FERRY POLICE DEPARTMENT
BONNERS FERRY — Over the past few months, incidents with fentanyl have increased in the community.
During the past few months, Bonners Ferry Police Department officials said the department had two separate occasions in which Narcan, a treatment for opioid overdose, was administered to individuals who were non-responsive because of fentanyl use. The department has also had several arrests and charges related to possession of fentanyl.
Fentanyl is not only a “bit city” problem, BFPD officials said in a press release but is also a problem in Bonners Ferry.
BFPD officials cautioned that if anyone enters a bathroom or other confined space, that is accessible to the public, and they smell a burnt metallic/chemical smell, to leave the area immediately and let someone know, so that the bathroom can be closed until the smell dissipates.
BFPD officials said that people do not have to be the one smoking the fentanyl to fall victim to its effects. If you are in public and you smell something out of the normal, police department officials said to take it as a warning and to leave the area.
If you start feeling short of breath or have an extreme headache that does not end once you get away from the exposure, seek immediate medical attention by calling 911, BFPD officials said.
According to the United States Drug Enforcement Agency, seven out of 10 fentanyl pills, also called mexi-pills, contains a lethal dose. This is up from last year's number of six out of 10.
The picture below represents the amount of fentanyl which is a lethal dose.
BFPD officials said they wanted to warn the public that fentanyl is present in almost all illicit street drugs that are on the market. When the department sends illicit drugs off to the lab, they test positive for fentanyl as well.
BFPD officials invited those wishing to have their drugs tested to come by the department.
“We have test kits, but you must bring your drugs with you,” officials said. “If you feel like your dealer has been cheating you, we would be happy to help you out regarding that as well. As always stay safe and be vigilant.”