Officials Seize Enough Fentanyl in Mitchell County to Kill 3 Million People

 

COLORADO CITY, TX — A substantial drug bust took place in Mitchell County Thursday. The 32nd District Attorney’s Office recently spearheaded an investigation resulting in the confiscation of 44.5 pounds of suspected methamphetamine and 12.4 pounds of fentanyl pills. According to the DEA, this amount of fentanyl could potentially be lethal for about 2.8 million people.

Marc Couch, a representative from the Texas Department of Public Safety, emphasized that preventing the circulation of these drugs has potentially saved numerous lives.

"Statistical studies indicate that in specific regions of the U.S., 1 out of 4 pills could constitute a lethal dose," Sgt. Couch stated.

Sgt. Couch cautioned the public to use fentanyl only under the supervision of a licensed physician.

"Fentanyl is a potent narcotic utilized by medical professionals. There's no inherent issue with the drug itself. Doctors prescribe it, and when administered in a controlled environment, it serves as an effective pain reliever, particularly for individuals undergoing surgery. The problem arises when these substances are utilized outside their intended medical scope, without the oversight of educated and licensed individuals authorized to handle such narcotics," he elaborated.

According to the sergeant, even a minute quantity of fentanyl can result in an overdose.

"Typically, instances of overdose occur when the substance is accidentally dispersed into the air in a powdered form, leading to potential overdose scenarios," Sgt. Couch explained.

The U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration reports that more than five Texans succumb to fentanyl-related deaths daily.

"The annual increase in fentanyl-related fatalities in Texas and across the nation remains a significant concern," Sgt. Couch expressed.

The ongoing investigation continues regarding the seizure in Mitchell County. In a press release, the Mitchell County District Attorney expressed gratitude to law enforcement for curbing the distribution of these drugs.

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