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EVERETT, Wash., August 24, 2022—Between July 26 and August 8, 2022, a two-week period, Snohomish County first responders were called to 40 known or suspected overdose incidents involving street or prescription drugs, some of which some ended in death. In comparison, records reflect that medical and law enforcement crews responded to 10 suspected or confirmed overdoses over the previous month of July 2022. 

The Regional Drug Task Force is asking for the public’s help in reducing the high volume of street drugs to save the lives and livelihoods of friends and loved ones.

Although blue counterfeit oxycodone pills containing fentanyl are most common, according to Lt. David Hayes of the Snohomish Regional Drug Task Force, over the past several months there has been an increase of fentanyl in powder or crystal form and now multi-color counterfeit pills. It is a common practice to mixed fentanyl with other common street drugs, in many cases undisclosed to the user, creating unknown or unwanted effects or even death. 

Snohomish County Medical Examiner records reflect at least 67 overdose-related deaths occurred locally over the first four months of 2022. Fentanyl was present 58% of the time in those cases according to blood toxicity reports. The second most prevalent drug is methamphetamine, often combined with fentanyl. 

“The presence of the dangerous drug fentanyl, in our community, continues to grow and threatens lives and public safety across our county and state,” wrote Lt. Hayes in today’s press release. “Members of the public should be aware of the prolific supply of fentanyl and methamphetamine in our community and take measures to protect themselves, friends, and loved ones.”

Resources are available for addiction and behavioral health treatment at https://www.snohomishcountywa.gov/5442/Crisis-Resources. One may also learn more and leave tips regarding drug trafficking via the Opioid Crisis page on the Snohomish County Sheriff’s Office website at https://www.snohomishcountywa.gov/3948/The-Opioid-Crisis.

Author: Mario Lotmore