BELLINGHAM, Wash. — Authorities have confirmed a disturbing trend in fentanyl-related overdose deaths in Bellingham.
The Whatcom Gang and Drug Task Force says there have been a total of 5 fentanyl-related overdose deaths in Whatcom County in the past two weeks.
Carfentanyl has also been detected in some of those victims — a substance that’s 100 times more potent than fentanyl.
Fentanyl is a synthetic opioid usually found in powder or pill form and can be added or substituted as the active ingredients in counterfeit Oxycodone, Percocet or Xanax pills, with or without the user’s knowledge.
The Sheriff’s Office says it’s also being found in powder form to mimic methamphetamine or “China White” heroin in Whatcom County.