fentanyl

Over the past month or so, the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration has been warning of “rainbow fentanyl,” which is now found in almost half the states in the country. The only state in New England with a confirmed report of the brightly-colored illegal drugs is Maine. According to the DEA, fentanyl has been spotted in forms like candy and...

Officials from the Drug Enforcement Administration are warning of fentanyl appearing in bright colors, sometimes resembling sidewalk chalk or candy.

Fentanyl, a synthetic opioid, has become the leading cause of overdose deaths in America, along with other synthetic opioids. The CDC reports that over 150 people die every day from overdoses related to synthetic opioids. Nabarun Dasgupta, a senior scientist at the Gillings School of Global Public Health, joins LX to discuss the rise in fentanyl-related overdoses.

After losing ground in reversing fatal overdoses during the COVID-19 pandemic, state leaders in Vermont are now redoubling their efforts — including by strengthening prevention and recovery measures. “Tragically, we and the rest of the country have seen an increase in loss of life,” Gov. Phil Scott, R-Vermont, acknowledged Thursday. “Keeping Vermonters from being addicted in the first place is…

The Mexican army says a tip led to the seizure of almost 1.5 tons of meth and 328 pounds (149 kilograms) of apparent fentanyl at a checkpoint in the northern border state of Sonora.

A lengthy investigation led to officers seizing hundreds of what they believe to be fentanyl pills, according to the city’s police department. Worcester police entered three locations and a car after they saw the target of the warrant, Ramon Mateo, leave his home around 2 p.m. Tuesday, the department said in a news release. Police found about 1300 grams of…

Fentanyl and heroin sold on the streets in Massachusetts continue to be cut with a sedative for animals, presenting an added danger to users, state drug monitors warned this month. Xylazine increases the risk of overdose, skin ulcers or death for people taking opioids cut with it, according to the Massachusetts Drug Supply Stream, a collaboration between the state Department…

The bust came out of complaints from Brockton residents in May and required officers to go undercover, the head of the Massachusetts State Police said.

More than 30 people were arrested in a sweep meant to combat an open-air drug market in Brockton, Massachusetts, Tuesday morning, police said. Over 40 people were identified and 34 people were arrested, including “violent and prolific street-level dealers,” Massachusetts State Police Col. Christopher Mason said at a news conference. The bust came out of complaints from Brockton residents in…

More than seven gallons of fentanyl solution have been reported missing over several months at a New Hampshire medical center, prompting an investigation by state officials and the license suspensions of several staffers. The New Hampshire Board of Pharmacy will consider whether to suspend or revoke Cheshire Medical Center’s pharmacy permit on June 29. The state has suspended the licenses…

New Hampshire Gov. Chris Sununu and other state officials issued a warning Friday after a recent increase in fatal drug overdoses in the state. The warning comes as more overdoses have been reported in Manchester and Nashua in particular as a result of fentanyl being mixed with other drugs, including cocaine, methamphetamine and marijuana, officials said. “Fentanyl is deadly and…

The provisional 2021 total translates to roughly one U.S. overdose death every 5 minutes.

A dozen people were arrested and are being held without bail after authorities seized over four kilograms of suspected fentanyl and several firearms at what’s being called a “stash house” in Lawrence, Massachusetts. Attorney General Maura Healey announced Friday that 12 people were arrested and arraigned on multiple drug and firearms charges following the joint state, local and federal takedown….

All 12 are being held without bail until their next court hearing.

A jury on Wednesday acquitted an Ohio doctor in the deaths of multiple hospital patients

Community activists in South Florida sprang into action after West Point cadets on spring break were sickened by fentanyl-laced cocaine at a house party

With fentanyl driving fatal overdoses to record levels in the U.S., state governments are scrambling for solutions

An Army football player and West Point cadets were among the victims of a fentanyl overdose at a Wilton Manors vacation rental home that left six spring breakers hospitalized including two in critical condition, officials said Friday. According to a statement from West Point, four cadets were taken to the hospital, including the football player. Of the six involved in…

Over the past year, federal drug enforcement investigators have found more and more illegal and potentially deadly drugs pressed into pills, some of which look like they’re meant for children.

Over the past few months, there’s been an alarming spike in the number of drug overdoses in New Hampshire’s two largest cities. Paramedics in Nashua and in Manchester are responding to several overdose calls every day, nearly 100 calls in the month of January alone. During a 15-minute interview with American Medical Response Regional Director Chris Stawasz, there were...