Roseville sees 4 fentanyl overdoses in 36 hours, alarming Placer County authorities

Roseville police reported four suspected fentanyl overdoses over the past two days, the latest string of incidents in what has become a pervasive issue for Placer County.

On Wednesday, the Roseville Police Department announced in a post to social media that the department had responded to four suspected overdoses connected to fentanyl across three separate incidents in the last 36 hours.

Fentanyl is a synthetic opioid that is approximately 50 times more potent than heroin and 100 times more potent than morphine. Consumption of just two milligrams of the drug — the size of a few grains of salt — can lead to overdose.

An overdose of fentanyl can be reversed using Narcan, a nasal spray which Roseville police and fire are trained to administer, according to the post. Narcan administration is only effective if done shortly after the overdose occurs.

The suspected fentanyl was purple in color in two of the incidents, according to the post. Fentanyl can also be found in counterfeit pills made to look like prescription drugs including Xanax and Oxycontin.

“The dangers of an increase of fentanyl use in our region could have catastrophic effects,” the release read. “Those who abuse prescription drugs or heroin laced with fentanyl are at a much higher risk of overdose and death.”

In May, a Placer County Sheriff’s deputy arrested a man carrying 21 grams of suspected meth and more than 36 grams of suspected fentanyl for the purpose of sales.

In mid-June, after the city of Colfax reported two opioid overdoses in a 10-day period, the Placer County Sheriff’s Office cautioned that 90% of drugs confiscated on the street contain fentanyl, especially those marketed as Xanax, Percocet or Oxycontin.

Roseville police urged in the post that anyone who needs support with substance abuse issues or knows someone who does should call 2-1-1 or contact a medical professional.

This story was originally published August 3, 2022 at 5:24 PM.