In Austin, Texas, Emergency Management Services and 911 recently dealt with a significant increase in deadly fentanyl overdoses, described as a “surge” by officials. There were a total of 79 suspected overdose incidents, resulting in nine deaths and the distribution of 438 doses of Narcan. Preliminary tests showed traces of fentanyl in the systems of the individuals who died.
The spike in drug overdose calls last week represented a 1000% increase for the city, where crime technologists handle numerous cases, analyzing drugs found on the streets of Texas for substances like cocaine, meth, and fentanyl.
Truth Voices was granted exclusive access to a crime lab in Austin that processes seized drugs, including fentanyl. This lab is one of the busiest and utilizes specialized technology, like color testing, to quickly identify illegal drugs. Cases of confirmed fentanyl brought to the lab have been on the rise, increasing from 94 cases in 2019 to over 2,000 in 2023.
Fentanyl is often found in pill capsules disguised as other drugs, posing a significant threat. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention report that over 200 people die from fentanyl overdoses daily.
Lt. Chris Olivarez of the Texas DPS attributes the rise in fentanyl cases to Mexican drug cartels, who produce the drug in large quantities at a low cost. Officials are concerned about the amount of fentanyl that crosses the border undetected, making the drug even more dangerous.
The challenge for officials, particularly in Texas, lies in the widespread distribution of these deadly drugs, not just along the border but also in major cities. Crime labs, like the one in Austin, are feeling the strain and have added extra personnel to handle the increased caseload.
