We have identified what we believe to be an increase in methamphetamine mixed with fentanyl that has resulted in deaths in the last 30 days.  Other deaths are under investigation and pending toxicology and autopsy.  We are in contact with our law enforcement partners in surrounding counties and local law enforcement is investigating each overdose death. 

We caution all users that any substance has the potential of being mixed with fentanyl which increases its lethality.  Previously, heroin was the substance most often thought of as being mixed with fentanyl.  Users may opt for other substances under the mistaken belief that they are safer and would not contain fentanyl.  That is not accurate.  Anyone who has what they believe to be a controlled substance in their possession should assume the substance contains fentanyl. 

We also reiterate that anyone providing controlled substances to someone faces strict penalties.  If a drug causes a death, anyone in the chain can be charged with the crime of Drug Delivery Resulting in Death.  In other words, McKean County Law Enforcement investigates every overdose death as a possible Drug Delivery Resulting in Death prosecution and every person in the chain – from the person who gave the drug directly to the victim, the person who gave the drug to that person, the person who packaged it, etc. can be prosecuted. 

McKean County has medication drop boxes throughout the county that are available for any person to deposit substances and we urge citizens to deposit any such substance in the boxes. The medication drop boxes are located within the Bradford City Police Department, Bradford Township Police Department, Kane Borough Municipal Building, McKean County Sheriffs’ Department and Pennsylvania State Police-Lewis Run.  Parents should be on the lookout for tin foil or baggies containing powder or crystalized substance.

Sourced via CRIMEWATCH®: https://mckean.crimewatchpa.com/da/136029/post/alert-fentanyl-mixed-methamphetamine-suspected-deaths