The Natchitoches Parish Coroner, Steven M. Enlow Clanton, addresses the recent drug arrests on Dec. 27 made by the Natchitoches Parish Sheriff’s Office, which resulted in the seizure of approximately 2.1 pounds of suspected fentanyl.
This amount is enough to potentially kill around 476,000 people, roughly 10% of Louisiana’s population. This major seizure underscores the serious risks posed to the residents of Natchitoches Parish and surrounding areas.
Although deaths from fentanyl are not always publicized in the news, they do occur.
In Natchitoches Parish, 2024 saw six fatalities linked to fentanyl usage, with an additional death caused by N pyrrolidino protonitazene, a synthetic opioid with a potency 3 to 70 times greater than fentanyl.
The year 2023 recorded four fatalities, and 2022 saw five fatalities attributed to fentanyl.
These statistics underscore the persistent and deadly presence of fentanyl in the community.
Fentanyl Facts:
• Potency: Fentanyl is a synthetic opioid, 50 times stronger than heroin and 100 times more potent than morphine. As per the DEA, a lethal dose for most people is around 2 milligrams—about the size of a few grains of salt.
• Adulteration: Illegally produced fentanyl is often mixed with other drugs such as cocaine, heroin, methamphetamine, and even marijuana, or pressed into counterfeit pills mimicking OxyContin,
Percocet, Vicodin, Xanax, Alprazolam, Adderall, Ecstasy, or Molly.
• Contamination Risk: Drug dealers frequently mix fentanyl with other substances due to its potency and low cost, raising the likelihood of fatal overdoses.
• Statistics: In 2024, DEA lab tests found that 5 out of 10 pills tested contained a potentially lethal dose of fentanyl, with 42% of tested pills having at least 2 milligrams.
• Distribution: Fentanyl is typically trafficked by the kilogram, with a single kilogram having the potential to kill 500,000 people.
• Uncertainty: Individuals can unknowingly consume fentanyl-laced pills, or take them knowing they contain fentanyl but without knowing the lethal dose.
Safety Measures:
• Pill Precaution: Do not take any pills not prescribed to you and obtained from a pharmacy.
• Suspicious Substances: Report any suspicious substances to law enforcement for investigation.
• Report Possession: Inform authorities if you know someone in possession of illegal substances—it could save lives by getting them the help they need.
• Report Dealers: If you know someone dealing drugs, report them to protect potential victims, including your loved ones.
• Naloxone: Narcan or Naloxone is the reversal agent for Fentanyl. It is now widely available and can be purchased over the counter. If you suspect an overdose Call 911 and administer Narcan if available.
One Pill Can Kill! Don’t wait till it’s too late to prevent another tragedy!!
Report narcotics activity to the Natchitoches Drug Enforcement hotline at 318-238-8477.
Sheriff Stuart Wright said the public’s cooperation in providing tips to law enforcement is essential in combating criminal activity and solving criminal cases in Natchitoches Parish and all across our state.
