The Fent Report: Mexican pharmacies sell pills laced with deadly fentanyl to U.S. travelers

Fentanyl, a powerful synthetic opioid. In recent days the opioid epidemic continues to ravage communities across the United States. This drug, which is up to 100 times stronger than morphine, has been responsible for an alarming number of overdoses and deaths. From its use in pain management to its illegal distribution on the streets, fentanyl has become a pervasive and deadly force. In this written series, we will explore the latest news and developments surrounding fentanyl, including its impact on public health, law enforcement efforts to combat its use, and the ongoing debates surrounding its regulation and control.

The FENT REPORT:

• Oregon bill takes aim at fentanyl possession and dealing | kgw.com
• Riverside Mall: Hackensack Police Update on Fentanyl Overdose — NBC New York
• Fentanyl drives trend of overdoses, Thurston officials say | The Olympian
• Fentanyl accounts for a majority of fatal overdoses. But ERs aren’t testing for it. (nbcnews.com)
• Washington County deputies seize more than 150,000 fentanyl pills (kptv.com)
• Families affected by fentanyl speak on possible increase in criminal penalties (katc.com)
• Arrests made after overdose death in Kokomo due to fentanyl (fox59.com)
• Half-pound of fentanyl found during search of Sikeston home; 1 man arrested (kfvs12.com)
• Exclusive: Amid U.S. pressure on fentanyl, Mexico raises drug lab raids data | Reuters
• ‘Catastrophe;’ 95% of overdose deaths in New Orleans were from fentanyl in 2022 (fox8live.com)
• Fentanyl Overdoses Spike at Elmwood Correctional Facility in Milpitas — NBC Bay Area
• Texas Senate passes bill to charge fentanyl distributors with murder | The Texas Tribune
• Critics say harsher fentanyl sentences are not the solution to the opiate crisis : NPR
• After a wave of teen fentanyl overdoses, a Texas community grapples with shock and anger at the epidemic’s toll (nbcnews.com
• Forum addresses dangers of fentanyl in Great Falls (krtv.com)
• Southern District of Indiana | Fentanyl FAQ’s (justice.gov)
• NYC fentanyl poisoning: 3 fatal doses in same night | 7 On Your Side Investigates — ABC7 New York (abc7ny.com)
• Some Mexican pharmacies are selling fentanyl-laced drugs in tourist areas : NPR
• Advocates believe decriminalization of fentanyl testing strips could save lives (wlbt.com)

*The series focuses on the previous 7 days of this publication.