Danville Police Issue Warning on Fentanyl and Fentanyl Substitues in Area

THE FOLLOWING FENTANYL WARNING WAS PUT OUT BY DANVILLE POLICE:

The Danville Police Department in partnership with the Vermilion County Metropolitan Enforcement Group (VMEG) as well as other local law enforcement agencies want to put out a warning reference to having discovered amounts of fentanyl and fentanyl substitutes such as acetylfentanyl and benzylfentanyl laced in marijuana/cannabis sold illegally on the street as well as other illegal street drugs. Fentanyl and its other synthetic counterparts are extremely dangerous and can be absorbed through inhalation, injection or even through the skin.

There have been reports of users demonstrating severe psychedelic side-effects as well as the typical over-dose symptoms of fentanyl including itching, nausea and potentially serious respiratory depression that could result in death if not treated immediately. If you suspect that you have been contaminated and feel these symptoms please seek medical attention.

All illegal drugs have their dangers and risks, however, what a person believes is to be one drug may turn out to something completely different that could lead to catastrophic results. There is no quality control. We understand that there is no quick fix to substance abuse and it requires the desire, strength and support to beat it.

A person cannot see, smell or taste fentanyl if it was to be laced into marijuana/cannabis. The amount could be so miniscule that it is undetectable to the senses but still fatal if in the body. We understand that there is many an argument on the dangers, acceptance, pros and cons around the marijuana/cannabis discussion. That is not what this is about. This is a warning of the presence of fentanyl and its substitutes being put in other substances that could harm or kill an unwitty user.

If anyone has any information of fentanyl being used as an additive to any other substance please contact the Danville Police Department at (217)431-2250, VMEG at (217)443-1466 or Vermilion Co. Crime Stoppers at (217)446-TIPS. All callers will remain confidential.

We, obviously, want to combat illegal drug use and supply in our community, however, your safety and family is more important. Please spread the word to those you care about and let’s keep each other safe. Thank you.

Chief Christopher S. Yates- Danville PD