Mobile leaders raise awareness of the dangers of fentanyl

MOBILE, Ala. (WKRG) — Local leaders and other officials held a town meeting to discuss the dangers of fentanyl Friday morning.

Before the meeting officially began, Chief Assistant District Attorney Keith Blackwood handed out small packets of sugar to illustrate just how lethal a dose of fentanyl can be.

Blackwood said the district attorney’s office held the meeting because they wanted to raise awareness in the community about how lethal the dose is.

“We have to do our part in the District Attorney’s Office and with our partners in law enforcement and the Council on Drug Education,” Blackwood said. “To make sure we’re having those conversations with people in the community.”

Blackwood also said he has been going to schools to talk to students about the dangers of fentanyl and other issues. He said it’s important for parents to have this conversation with their children about the strong drug.

District Attorney Ashley Rich said she is working to obtain a grant to obtain test kits to test saliva to determine fentanyl overdose.

“But if we find that there is fentanyl involved, then we can immediately get a search warrant, seize their phone and go after the supplier or the dealer,” Rich said. “And that’s what we want to start doing. And that’s why it’s important that all of our law enforcement officers carry these new drug testing kits that will tell us right away if the overdose is from fentanyl.

Rich also said the DA’s office is working with lawmakers to introduce laws to curb fentanyl trafficking. She said she has been in contact with Matt Simpson and Chris Pringle, who are working to legislate their own bills to tackle trafficking.

One person in the crowd at the meeting raised his concern about fentanyl being included in Halloween candy. Blackwood said it’s important to remain vigilant, but there isn’t any evidence to support the possibility of fentanyl-laced Halloween candy in Alabama.