Law enforcement stresses the effects of Fentanyl

The Wyoming Highway Patrol has informed the public that Sunday, Aug. 21, is National Fentanyl Prevention and Awareness Day. This day has been designated to recognize the dangers of Fentanyl and how it affects Wyoming.

According to Wyoming Highway Patrol Safety and Training Division Sergeant Jeremy Beck, in 2020, 1,663 dosage units and .27 lbs. of Fentanyl were seized by law enforcement in Wyoming, an increase of 3,876% from the previous year.

In 2021, 11,135 dosage units and 64.83 lbs. of Fentanyl were seized by law enforcement in Wyoming, an increase of 10,539%.

More than 13,398 dosage units of Fentanyl have already been seized by Wyoming law enforcement in 2022. Since 2018, there have been 334,476 dosage units of Fentanyl seized by law enforcement in Wyoming.

According to Beck, prevention and education is a definite power to help others make educated choices. The WHP is warning the public that illicit Fentanyl is prevalent in the United States and can cause sudden death. The intention of the WHP is to educate about the dangers of illicit Fentanyl and inform and reduce victim fatalities.

Fentanyl is an opioid pain medication similar to morphine but is 50-100 times more potent. When used correctly, it is a very effective pain reliever for cancer patients. However, illicit Fentanyl is an illegal drug cut into other drugs such as heroin, cocaine, and counterfeit prescription pills. Fentanyl can be absorbed through the skin or mucous membranes or accidentally inhaled. The effects of this drug are unpredictable because it varies from person to person based on their size, weight, metabolism, and whether they have taken other drugs before taking Fentanyl.

The Buffalo Police Department has used the lifesaving medication NARCAN –designed to help reverse the effects of an opioid overdose in minutes– on two overdose cases in the past year.  

BPD Chief Sean Bissett told listeners of Sheridan Media’s Public Pulse program that Fentanyl has changed the practices used by police during a call. 

The WHP would like everyone in America to know how dangerous illicit Fentanyl is, especially if someone has taken it unknowingly because there is a high probability that the individual will require medical attention immediately.

If you suspect someone has taken Fentanyl, call 911 immediately. To learn more about NARCAN, click here.