The Onondaga County Health Department and local leaders are issuing a warning to residents following a concerning number of what are believed to be fentanyl-induced overdoses.
The health department found that 14 people overdosed from the drug over a 24-hour period from November 23-24. They say the drugs came in a wax container with a logo that’s very similar to the rolex symbol stamped on it.
According to the National Institute on Drug Abuse, synthetic opioids, including fentanyl, are now the leading cause of overdose deaths in the United States. Fentanyl, when distributed illegally, is often in powder form and mixed in with other drugs, such as heroin, cocaine, methamphetamine and even marijuana.
With the holidays officially here, it can be a tough time for many and may even cause some to turn to drugs.
“We encourage people to observe their family for any unusual behavior, sleeping a lot, irritability and if they do notice those symptoms have that conversation with them to see if they may need any assistance,” said Onondaga County Health Department Mental Health and Substance Abuse Coordinator Mariah Senecal-Reilly.
At this time, no further information on any of the victims has been released.
For more information on the risks of fentanyl use, as well as more resources on recognizing the signs of drug-use or emergency care for overdose victims, click here.
