Fentanyl interference measures could come just in time for local police

Fentanyl isn’t necessarily public enemy No. 1 but its getting there.

A new measure in Washington aims to put a smackdown on the illegal drug by giving border agents additional resources to stop fentanyl at the Mexican border.

It’s just been in the last few years, the synthetic has made other opioids look like child’s play on the streets.

The drug is definitely a growing concern in La Crosse, as well, largely because of its potency according to police captain Jason Melby.

“There’s cases of offices by simply picking it up are accidentally overdosing by just having the contact with it,” Melby said from the WIZM studio.

Along with that, the overdose antidote Narcan can be almost ineffective.

Multiple, multiple does, possibly, to even bring somebody back,” Melby said of overdose victims. “It’s a highly toxic drug.”

Melby called fentanyl “extremely dangerous,” on its own or mixed.

“It is something that will end up getting blended with heroin,” Melby said.

While the feds say most of the fentanyl is trafficked through Mexico, it’s mostly produced in China.

Watch the entire interview with Melby below: