‘Risking your life’: Local law enforcement worried about new types of fentanyl
SPOKANE, Wash. — What looks like candy could kill you. New types of fentanyl are now in the Inland Northwest, and law enforcement is on high alert.
“Skittle” fentanyl pills were found in Coeur d’Alene, and agencies across the region say more are on the way.
“Everything about this fentanyl crisis is crazy,” said Rob Boother. He’s the tactical operations commander with the Spokane Police Department.
Fentanyl now has a new look that’s still killing people every day.
“You can cut one pill into quarters, and three of them will be fine,” Boothe said. “One will be a lethal dose.”
About 50 multi-colored “Skittle” fentanyl pills were found in North Idaho by the Coeur d’Alene Police. Spokane Police say they’re now trickling into Spokane.
“If we start to see things in other areas, other regions such as up in Canada, then it’s inevitable it’s going to come to our area as well.”
“Rainbow” fentanyl is also new. This fentanyl is chalky and colorful, and drug dealers know where to find curious kids.
“They’ll try and buy them online, especially through Snapchat and some of those social media sites,” Boothe said. “They don’t know what they’re getting.”
He says parents need to be involved, looking for behavior changes. Lieutenant Boothe says changes could be as subtle as listening to new music.
“What’s going on in your kid’s life?,” he asked. “Don’t be afraid to monitor social media.”
If you have older kids at college, they’re at risk. Fentanyl could be laced in Adderall or other drugs kids may use to keep up in college.
“You’re not going to get a better grade. You’re literally risking your life taking an unknown substance because that’s what it is,” Boothe shared.
For him, education is key. Tell your kids one pill can kill, and they should never try a prescription that isn’t theirs.
“This is something they can’t be curious about. This is something where there’s one misstep and there’s a fatality,” he concluded.
The CDC says drug overdoses continue to kill the most Americans 18 to 45 years old. Lifesaving measures are out there you should know about.
If you have a first-aid kit in your home, consider adding Narcan to it. This is a lifesaving drug that can reverse an overdose. In Washington and Idaho, you don’t need a prescription to buy this at pharmacies.
You can find more information on how to administer Narcan and where it’s located in Washington HERE. You can also find locations of Narcan in Idaho HERE.
RELATED: ISP warns parents of fentanyl pills that look like candy
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