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Police authorities and county health officials warned residents Friday of three deaths last weekend caused by fentanyl-based cocaine in Pacific Beach and Ocean Beach.
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In addition to the three deaths, two others overdosed fentanyl-related cocaine and survived. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, fentanyl is a synthetic opioid that can be 50 to 100 times more potent than morphine and 50 times more potent than heroin. Officials could not disclose where the victims had received the drugs and no arrests were made.
CDC reports show that overdoses of fentanyl are increasing across the United States as part of the country's largest opioid epidemic. This trend includes San Diego according to county health officials; the county received 81 fentanyl fatal overdose reports in 2017, double the number of deaths reported in 2016.
"We have seen a steady increase in fatal overdose cases in years when fentanyl was added to opiates," said Dr. Glenn Wagner, County Chief Medical Examiner. "But now, we're seeing a case pattern where fentanyl is unexpectedly added to other drug combinations. This is a new and deeply worrying trend.
Drug Enforcement Administration officers are investigating the deaths and seizing narcotics containing fentanyl in San Diego and Imperial counties. There is currently no test available to check a drug for fentanyl according to DEA Special Agent Karen Flowers.
"These cases show the deadly and unknown nature of drugs sold on the street," said Wilma Wooten, county public health officer. "If you or someone you know needs medication, please get help."
Residents of San Diego County who are seeking addiction treatment can contact the 24/7 County Access and Crisis Line at (888) 724-7240.
-City News Service
County Officials Warn of Fentanyl Deaths in Ocean Beach and Pacific Beach was last modified: September 14, 2018 by
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