The Alaska State Troopers took an unusual step Friday by warning that a lethal batch of illegal drugs appears to be circulating in the Mat-Su, leading to deaths.
Troopers responded to several suspected overdoses this week in the Valley.
“At this time, at least three people are believed to have died as a result of drugs likely containing fentanyl, and at least 11 other overdose emergencies have been reported to law enforcement, since April 1,” Troopers said in a statement.
“While the use of illegal drugs such as heroin and methamphetamine is always discouraged, law enforcement encourages anyone who uses illegal drugs in the Mat-Su area to take extra caution at this time, due to high levels of potency in current circulation,” the Troopers said.
The Alaska Department of Health’s Project Hope provides Narcan free of charge, which can help reverse an overdose; you can locate a distribution site and learn more at this link.
“Law enforcement officers in South Central Alaska are aggressively investigating the source of these illicit narcotics. If you or anyone that you know has any information about drug trafficking in the Mat-Su area please call Alaska State Troopers at (907) 352-5401, or to remain anonymous submit a tip on the AKtips smartphone app or online at: https://dps.alaska.gov/ast/tips,” the agency wrote.
