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Fentanyl has become so common in the community that law enforcement officers throughout Grant County carry Narcan, an anti-overdose medication that can save lives. Concern is rising, however, that a new form of fentanyl – known on the streets as tranq – may come to the area. Tranq is fentanyl that is laced with a tranquilizer usually reserved for use on livestock or on wildlife such as moose. That additive can prevent Narcan from working.

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Fentanyl crisis in Grant County
July 14, 2023 1:30 a.m.

Fentanyl crisis in Grant County

Local authorities express significant concern over fentanyl’s prevalence in the community.

EPHRATA – According to staff at the Grant County Jail, roughly 90% of detainees arrive with some substance abuse-related concern. Of those, roughly 70% have some level of dependency on fentanyl. The Grant County Morgue is seeing sadly similar increases. “We’re starting to see (fentanyl addiction) as a huge issue inside the jail,” said Grant County Sheriff’s Office Corrections Chief Deputy Phil Coats. “And, from what I’m hearing talking to some of the people that are withdrawing from it is that it is so severe that actual suicide rates have actually gone up in jails because they don’t want to have to deal (with withdrawals.) It hurts too much.” ...