The Paper
Cops and Fentanyl Cont. from Page 3
needed. If no response, give a second dose of naloxsone (Narcam). 7. Continue with rescue breathing until medics arrive. Last year, fentanyl was the number one cause of death among Americans 18 to 45 years-old, according to data by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. How Prevalent is fentanyl?
In 2021, the United States Customs and Border Protection (CBP) Office of Field Operations (OFO) seized 6,354 pounds of powder fentanyl at the San Diego County Ports of Entry (POE) San Ysidro, Otay Mesa and Tecate.
Experts tell us one kilo of fentanyl could produce up to 500,000 lethal doses, which has the potential to kill hundreds of thousands of people. Before the drug ends up at the lab, law enforcement has to find it. Which is not an easy task. Investigators say the Mexican Cartels hide it in everything from tires to water pumps. Our city and county Government Has Taken Notice
The San Diego County Board of Supervisors, led by 5th District Supervisor Jim Desmond, has declared illegal fentanyl as a public
Page 5 • • August 4, 2022
health crisis. The board pointed out accidental overdose deaths caused by fentanyl have reached historic levels across the nation. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) estimate that over 80,000 overdose deaths caused by fentanyl occurred in 2021 alone. Data from the CDC shows that accidental deaths caused by fentanyl is the number one killer of people between the ages of 18 and 45, far exceeding the number of deaths caused by car accidents, COVID, heart disease, and gun violence within this age group. According to board statistics, the number of people in San Diego County dying from accidental fentanyl overdoses has increased exponentially over the past several years. Fifth District Supervisor Jim Desmond has been a strong leader in getting this message out to the San Diego County community, particularly in North County. Escondido Mayor Paul McNamara has also taken a strong, leading role in calling for prompt community action to educate parents and community members as to just how serious this crisis is.
JR Rowten, Executive Director of the Escondido Chamber of Commerce, has also become very active in this movement. The Paper is working with all of these individuals and their organizations to address the issue, first with this
The Paper has embraced the fight against the illegal use of fentanyl and recognizes the enormity of the crisis. Many people are dying needlessly. Our thanks to the area merchants who also recognize this problem and join us in urging you to get on board as we do all we can to educate the public and put a stop to this madness!
cover story that provides important facts that need to be known, and including information as to whom to contact if you wish to get involved, to volunteer your time, money, energy or all of the above. See a list of organizations at the end of this cover story. Fentanyl's Pervasive Growth
The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) reports that submissions of drugs seized by law enforcement and testing positive for fentanyl spiked more than 400 percent between 2013 and 2014, as the drug has been flooding the American market. Fentanyl is commonly laced into various drugs. Fentanyl is lethal in doses as small as 2 milligrams. Fentanyl Drug Combinations
Fentanyl can be hidden in plain sight. The majority of the popular sleep aid Xanax (alprazolam) that is being sold on the street is counterfeit and likely laced with fentanyl. Illicitly produced fentanyl can be pressed into pill form and passed off as other opioid pain relievers like Norco (hydrocodone/acetaminophen), CNN reports. Why Are Various Drugs Being Laced With Fentanyl?
Illicit fentanyl is primarily manufactured in foreign labs, (China), then smuggled into the United
States through Mexico. The drug is then sold on the illegal drug market after being distributed throughout the country. Alongside illicit fentanyl that is being sold as such, there is also an increasing amount of other illicit drugs being sold that have been laced with fentanyl. As there is absolutely no quality control in the black market of selling illicit drugs, it is impossible for a consumer to know if their drugs are cut with fentanyl, and if so, how much.
In 2021 alone, the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) has seized 9.5 million counterfeit pills laced with fentanyl and methamphetamine, which is more than the prior two years combined. The counterfeit pills are illegally manufactured by extensive drug networks and are made to look identical to prescription medications such as Oxycontin, Adderall, Percocet, Vicodin, and Xanax. The pills are often sold on the black market through social media and ecommerce platforms.
As fentanyl is exceptionally potent, the risk of overdose from taking the drug is astronomical, particularly when taking it without knowing it, or when mixed with other drugs. The risk and prevalence of fentanyl-laced pills has become so prevalent that the DEA issued its
Cops and Fentanyl Cont. on Page 6
Escondido Coin & Loan 241EastGrandAvenue, Escondido,CA92025 (760)745-1697 Ourgreatestwishisthatwe, asacommunity,willcome togetherandfighttheillegal useoffentanyl! YourhelpisneededNOW!
From all the staff here at the San Marcos Dental Center to you and your families, we need to gather together and fight the illegal use of fentanyl!
The friendliest pharmacist in town . . . your hometown pharmacist, Nami, owner of The Escondido Pharmacy at 909 East Valley Parkway Escondido says . . “From the bottom of my heart, we are all Community! Let’s fight the illegal use of Fentanyl together! The Escondido Pharmacy (760) 480-1871
The Alto Family Extends our suppor for for the battle against illegal use of fentanyl!
Dr. Gregory Hurt and the San Marcos Dental Center San Marcos, CA. 760.734.4311
lyle e davis editor/publisher The Paper
Marcia and Richard Jungas
CaliforniaFuneralAlternatives
"OurFamilyServingYours"
760-737-2890 Escondido FD1624
858-842-3000 Poway FD1994
All of us at Mike’s BBQ in Escondido hope you are aware of the dangers of the illegal use of fentanyl and urge you to join in the fight to solve this crisis! Mike’s BBQ
1356 W. Valley Parkway 760.746.4444
La Tapatia
Mexican Restaurant
340 W. Grand Avenue
Escondido, CA.
