Spike in Fentanyl ODs has Butte and Southwest Montana on high alert

Butte-Silver Bow first responders are on alert and alerting citizens and families of the area that a new, powerful, illicit strain of fentanyl has hit the area resulting in 6 overdoses over the past 72 hours and they are warning all residents, particularly drug users, to be extra cautious.

According to a social media post from Butte-Silver Bow Sheriff Ed Lester and released by the Butte-Silver Bow Law Enforcement Department, first responders including A1 Ambulance, the Butte-Silver Bow Fire Department and the Butte-Silver Bow Police Department responded to 6 separate fentanyl overdoses since Friday.  The post states that all of the individuals involved have since recovered but all are believed to be tied to a new, strong form of the drug that has been recently introduced into the area.  The cases are currently under investigation by the Butte-Silver Bow Police Department and the Southwest Montana Drug Task Force.

Fentanyl is nearly 100 times more potent than morphine and is extremely dangerous to humans as it is extremely fast acting and even a small amount can cause overdose.  As such, the post states that it is extremely critical to utilize the 911 system if someone you know is overdosing on fentanyl or any other opioid.

It is just as critical that the source of this drug be found and taken off the streets and the persons responsible for its' distribution prosecuted.  Do you know who is dealing or transporting it?  Please help out.  Call the Butte-Silver Bow Law Enforcement Department at (406) 497-1120 if you have any information.