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Atlanta Criminal Defense Lawyers > Blog > Drug Crimes > Dangerous Fentanyl Sweeping Over the Country

Dangerous Fentanyl Sweeping Over the Country

If you work in human or animal medicine, you may have been familiar with fentanyl before it hit the news for all the wrong reasons. The drug is a powerful pain reliever, used for patients undergoing surgical procedures. Fentanyl must be dosed accurately, and only by a medical professional. However, the powerful drug is now being found outside of the hospital or clinic: It has moved to the streets all over the country.

A photo was recently released by the New Hampshire State Police Forensic Laboratory that perfectly depicted the danger of fentanyl. They took a picture of two vials. One contained 30 milligrams of heroin, and one vial contained 3 milligrams of fentanyl. Both are potentially lethal doses. Yet, on the streets, fentanyl is often sold in much larger doses.

The Spread of Fentanyl

The drug first became popular in British Columbia in 2016 and has swept through the United States, typically in its powdered form. It came under fire last year as it was discovered in heroin while being investigated as part of overdose incidents. As a part of the crisis, law enforcement officers and hospitals across the nation began to carry an anti-overdose drug to be ready for what they encountered.

Today, other drugs are becoming an issue. Carfentanil, an elephant tranquilizer and more deadly than fentanyl, has been found on the street. Acrylfentanyl, also deadly, has also been located.

How Dangerous Is It?

Overdoses are rarely intentional, but are happening all too frequently, and in surprising ways. A police officer in Ohio, just over a week ago, came close to death after overdosing on fentanyl. No, the officer is not an addict, nor did he take the drug intentionally. Instead, he sat or brushed up against the drug while searching a vehicle. He was alerted to having something on his pants and swiped it off. It was fentanyl that was on his pants and as he swiped it off, it was absorbed into his skin.

Because fentanyl is so dangerous, law enforcement officials are changing how they respond to drug calls. Protective gear is being used, and crime labs are looking for ways to test for the drug without exposing themselves to it.

Consequences of Possession

Even though fentanyl has medical uses, its misuse is a felony. Possession of fentanyl without a prescription can result in felony drug charges. A conviction can have incredibly serious consequences on a person’s life. It doesn’t matter if it is your first conviction or your fifth: No person wants to face the harsh consequences of a drug possession charge in Georgia or beyond.

If you are charged with drug possession, you need to be ready to mount a strong defense. Reach out to our team of criminal defense attorneys for assistance today. We will help you schedule a free case evaluation at which time we will advise you of your legal options. Call today to speak with an experienced member of our team in order to take the appropriate steps for your situation.

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