MARTIN COUNTY, Fla. — The Martin County Sheriff's Office is sounding the alarm about the dangerous drug fentanyl making its way into the county.
MCSO said the county has recently had eight deaths involving fentanyl.
Sheriff William Snyder said the amount of fentanyl coming into the county is alarming, so much so that special investigations has shifted into high gear, focusing on those who are pushing it.
"Martin County, this amount new to us," said Sheriff Snyder.
The sheriff said the arrest of Taquante Akeem Johnson of Boynton Beach proves some of the drug is making it’s way from down south. The sheriff believes the operation to arrest Johnson should cut the trend here.
"We’ve effectively taken 100 doses off the streets," said Sheriff Snyder.
The sheriff added fentanyl is now even being mixed with marijuana, and dealers are making bootleg oxycodone pills. As a result, unknowing drug users could become victims.
"There is a game of Russian roulette, and more and more are losing," said Sheriff Snyder.
Law enforcement is now tackling the problem from three fronts: aggressive enforcement by going to every overdose call, education, and working with the families of overdose survivors.
"We assumed it was coming and it’s here," said Sheriff Snyder.
The sheriff said his team is taking extra precautions, as the scenes are becoming very dangerous for deputies to process.