Fentanyl Suspected as Overdoses Spike in Dakota County
BY MN CRIME STAFF
The Dakota County Drug Task Force is warning of a rise in both fatal and non-fatal overdoses reported over the past week, with a sharp increase recorded in the last 24 hours.
Authorities say the recent spike may point to a stronger or more widespread presence of fentanyl in the local drug supply.
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Officials say fentanyl is being found in substances people may not expect, including cocaine, crack cocaine and methamphetamine. Investigators stress that even occasional or recreational use of these drugs can carry serious risk due to the potency of fentanyl and the difficulty of detecting it without testing.
The task force is urging people to recognize the signs of an opioid overdose, which can include loss of consciousness or unresponsiveness, slow, irregular or stopped breathing, blue or darkened lips and fingernails or a gray or ashen skin tone, choking or gurgling sounds, vomiting or a limp body and a slow, irregular or absent pulse.
READ MORE > Dakota County coverage
Law enforcement and public health officials are also encouraging steps to reduce risk, including carrying naloxone, commonly known as Narcan, and knowing how to use it, using fentanyl test strips when possible and avoiding using drugs alone. Authorities emphasize that 911 should be called immediately if an overdose is suspected. Naloxone can reverse an opioid overdose if administered in time.
Free naloxone, fentanyl test strips and related health services are available at locations across Minnesota.
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