Forum Addresses Fentanyl Crisis and Its Widespread Impact
BATON ROUGE, La. – Fentanyl-related deaths in Baton Rouge have declined, according to the Baton Rouge Police Department. However, the city continues to face a serious issue with counterfeit pills and fentanyl-laced drugs.
Chief Deputy Chris McClure, who served in the narcotics division for 15 years, noted the evolving nature of the fentanyl crisis. "We're seeing fentanyl on the streets, not just in pill form, but also as a powder mixed into virtually every other illegal drug, including methamphetamine," said McClure.
The opioid crisis has deep roots, and McClure pointed to the overprescription of opioids years ago as a major factor in the current epidemic.
In 2022, more than 1,000 Louisiana residents died from fentanyl-laced counterfeit pills and other illicit drugs, according to the Louisiana Opioid Data and Surveillance System. Kandyce Cowart, Manager of Special Investigations for Blue Cross & Blue Shield of Louisiana, emphasized the danger posed by fentanyl, stating that the drug does not discriminate based on demographics.
“This crisis is not confined to any particular group,” said Cowart. “We have clergy, law enforcement officers, judges—people in high-ranking positions—struggling with addiction. It's a disease that can affect anyone.”
Cowart warned that fentanyl is increasingly found in marijuana and Adderall, drugs commonly used by younger populations, especially college students. "If someone obtains Adderall from an illegitimate source, seven out of 10 pills are likely to be laced with fentanyl and could be fatal," she explained.
