Report: Fentanyl Deaths in Alaska Quadrupled in 2017

By RACHEL D'ORO ANCHORAGE, Alaska (AP) — A new report says overdose deaths in Alaska involving the synthetic opioid fentanyl more than quadrupled last year.Alaska State Troopers released its latest annual drug report Wednesday, saying the state's illegal drug problem continues to worsen.According to the report, 37 people died of overdoses involving fentanyl and related synthetic opioids. In 2016, there were eight fentanyl-related deaths.The report says the amount of fentanyl seized last year equals more than 24,000 lethal doses.Heroin is frequently cut with fentanyl. Alaska State Trooper Capt. Michael Duxbury said at a news briefing Wednesday that fentanyl also has been added to methamphetamine and cocaine as well.Authorities say Alaska is a destination state, with opioids and other illegal drugs manufactured elsewhere and brought north by gangs and Mexican drug cartels.Associated Press text, photo, graphic, audio and/or video material shall not be published, broadcast, rewritten for broadcast or publication or redistributed directly or indirectly in any medium. Neither these AP materials nor any portion thereof may be stored in a computer except for personal and non-commercial use. Users may not download or reproduce a substantial portion of the AP material found on this web site. AP will not be held liable for any delays, inaccuracies, errors or omissions therefrom or in the transmission or delivery of all or any part thereof or for any damages arising from any of the for...
Source: JEMS: Journal of Emergency Medical Services News - Category: Emergency Medicine Tags: News Operations Source Type: news