2 dead, 1 hospitalized after suspected synthetic opioid overdose in Fayetteville, police say
FAYETTEVILLE, N.C. (WTVD) -- Two people died and another was hospitalized in serious condition after ingesting a substance believed to be a synthetic opioid Saturday, according to the Fayetteville Police Department.
Police responded to a report that three people had ingested what appeared to be a synthetic opioid. Officers began lifesaving measures, including CPR, and called emergency medical personnel to the scene.
Despite their efforts, two people died. A third person was taken to a hospital in serious condition.
Fayetteville police said they are working with local, state and federal partners to identify the source of the illegal narcotics and hold those responsible accountable.
"Our immediate priority is preventing additional loss of life. Synthetic opioids do not discriminate, and one exposure can be fatal," Fayetteville Police Department Maj. Shawn Strepay said.
"We urge friends and family members to have those difficult, but necessary, conversations with loved ones struggling with substance abuse. Warn them about this circulating danger and encourage them to seek help before it is too late," Strepay said. "We ask everyone in our community to take this warning seriously and to call 911 immediately if an overdose is suspected."
In August, the Fayetteville Police Department responded to a spike in suspected synthetic opioid overdoses, prompting officials to warn residents on Aug. 13 about a potentially dangerous drug supply circulating in the community.
The department said it is working with the North Carolina Harm Reduction Coalition through the Law Enforcement Assisted Diversion, or LEAD, program. The program allows officers to connect people struggling with substance use disorders to behavioral health treatment, housing and recovery services instead of directing them into the criminal justice system.
More information about LEAD is available on the North Carolina Harm Reduction Coalition website.
Police also encouraged residents to carry Naloxone, commonly known as Narcan, a nasal spray that can rapidly reverse an opioid overdose and restore breathing.
Naloxone is available without a prescription at most pharmacies. Free naloxone is also available through the Cumberland County Department of Public Health at 1235 Ramsey St.
Information about Naloxone distribution sites across North Carolina is available here.
Anyone struggling with substance use can contact the SAMHSA National Helpline at 1-800-662-HELP (4357) for free, confidential support. People experiencing a mental health or substance use crisis can also call or text 988 to reach the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline.
