Cheyenne Police Warn Of Recent Surge In Drug Overdoeses

Cheyenne Police Warn Of Recent Surge In Drug Overdoeses

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Cheyenne Police say they have responded to five drug overdoses since April 6, two of which have been fatal.

Three of the overdoses occurred within one 24-hour period.

That's according to a post on the Cheyenne Police Department Facebook page.

Fentanyl Is Secretly Being Mixed With Other Drugs

Investigators think the increase may be because of an increase in fentanyl in the local illicit drug supply.

According to the National Institute on Drug Abuse Fentanyl is more potent (powerful) than many other opioid drugs. Even a small amount can cause a fatal overdose. That can even happen when a person takes fentanyl without knowing it,

The Drug Enforcement Administration says fentanyl "is 100 times more potent than morphine and 5o times more potent than heroin." 

Cheyenne Police say locally it's being mixed in with other drugs without the user's knowledge, making for  a deadly combination. CPD says people should take the following steps to protect themselves and others:

Be aware of the signs of an opioid overdose:
• Loss of consciousness/unresponsiveness
• Slow, erratic, or stopped breathing/pulse
• Blue or purplish lips or fingernails
• Gray or ashen skin tone
• Choking or gurgling sounds
• Vomiting
Anyone who may be at risk of an overdose or who may be around those who are at risk should consider carrying  naloxone (Narcan), a medication that can reverse an opioid overdose if administered in time. You can find out how to obtain Narcan by talking to a pharmacist.
It's also worth mentioning that Wyoming has a "Good Samaritan Law. In the words of the post  Wyoming Statute § 35-7-1064, provides limited immunity from criminal prosecution for individuals who report an overdose or seek emergency medical help for someone experiencing an overdose

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Gallery Credit: Kolby Fedore, Townsquare Media

Filed Under: fentanyl, Cheyenne Police Deparment
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