News Releases

Media Advisory: Spike in Fentanyl Overdoses in Montgomery County Raises Concern with Police

For Immediate Release: Tuesday, June 29, 2021

MEDIA AVAILABILITY

Who: Montgomery County Police Special Investigations Division

           Captain Nicholas Picerno, Special Investigations Division 

           Assistant Chief Dinesh Patil, Investigative Services Bureau

What: Media availability to raise awareness on Fentanyl related overdoses

When: Thurs., July, 1, 2021

             1-3 p.m.

Where: Montgomery County Police Headquarters

              100 Edison Park Dr. Gaithersburg, MD 20878

Gaithersburg, MD - Montgomery County Police are concerned about a recent sharp increase in overdoes in the county. It is suspected that upwards of 90% of overdoes in Montgomery County are related to Fentanyl, a synthetic opioid, which is 50 to 100 times more potent than morphine, and up to 50 times more potent than heroin. This substance is often added to heroin to increase potency. There is also concern about an increase in counterfeit narcotics. Often, those taking these counterfeit drugs believe them to be something else (Oxycodone or Xanax), but it is Fentanyl mixed with an inert substance.

This media availability is to bring attention to the issue of Fentanyl related overdoes, including counterfeit narcotics. In attendance will be at least one or more family members of individuals who have died recently as a result of a Fentanyl overdose. Assistant Chief Patil and Captain Nicholas Picerno are available to discuss the spike in overdoses and what the department is doing to combat it.

The Community Opioid Prevention Education (COPE) trailer is scheduled to be on site. The COPE trailer uses a model bedroom and bathroom to educate residents about the signs of opioid abuse that they might overlook and provides information about accessing treatment and using naloxone (NARCAN) to reverse opioid overdose.

To schedule a time for interviews, please contact Shiera Goff, Director of Public Information, at shiera.goff@montgomerycountymd.gov

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Release ID: 21-242
Media Contact: Shiera D. Goff  
Categories: media-advisory