MARION COUNTY — The Centralia Police Department, Marion County Coroner, and the Marion County Health Department issued a joint press release Thursday night, warning the public of possibly Fentanyl laced heroin being trafficked in the area may be responsible for a string of recent overdoses in the area.

According to the press release, Fentanyl and other similar synthetic opioids are similar in effect to opiates like morphine, heroin, or oxycodone, but present a higher risk due to their increased potency. The risk of fatal overdose is highest when people unknowingly snort or inject heroin, that has been adulterated with a synthetic opiate like fentanyl.

Fentanyl and its analogues have been discovered to be an attractive cutting agent, since their increased sedative potency can be perceived as strengthening a batch of heroin. This fact incentivizes drug traffickers to use fentanyl as all they care about is minimizing costs and maximizing profits, with no consideration given for the safety of the drugs they are distributing.

Family members with loved ones struggling with addiction need to be aware of this situation as we want to also make you aware that naloxone, commonly referred to by the brand name Narcan, can be obtained free of charge from the Community Resource Center located at 904 Martin Luther King, Jr Drive in Centralia.  The Community Resource Center also has resources available for substance abuse, including programs to individuals who are struggling with addiction.  Their phone number is 618-533-1391

The Little Egypt Area of Narcotics Anonymous has regularly scheduled meetings in Centralia and Salem. Their 24 Hour Helpline is 618-322-3178. Celebrate Recovery is a fellowship of those struggling with addiction in their families. They meet Mondays at 6:30 pm at the Nazarene Church in Centralia and at 6:30 pm on Fridays at the Apostolic Church of Salem.