Broken Arrow PD Reports Increase In Fentanyl Overdoses, Narcan Deployments

The Broken Arrow Police Department is seeing an increase in Fentanyl overdoses and Narcan deployments.

Police said they had 13 Narcan deployments last year, and 9 were between Thanksgiving and the New Year.

A contributing factor is how the drug is being distributed. The drug is being found in pills that contain Fentanyl but look like other commonly used pills.

This is causing added challenges for officers.

There is a heightened risk for exposure to officers, which is why they are carrying Narcan on their uniforms, including in patrol cars.

Our officers are trained in how to deploy Narcan in the event of an overdose.

Any exposure to the drug, even as small as 2-milligrams, can be considered lethal.

Fentanyl overdoses are now the leading cause of death for Americans aged 18 to 45, according to the CDC.

Police urge the public to only purchase drugs from a pharmacy.

Police also want the public to remember Narcan is available at most pharmacies.

Click here for more information from the Oklahoma State Department of Health.

Video of Sergeant Nester discussing the dangers of Fentanyl can be found on this link.