KYMA reporter Manoa Tuiasosopo spoke with local agencies about the current state of the fentanyl crisis in Yuma County and what they're doing to combat it.
YUMA, Ariz. (KYMA, KECY) – Fentanyl is Arizona's most deadly drug, surpassing methamphetamine, according to the Arizona Department of Health Services.
Fentanyl is an extremely powerful synthetic opioid, 50 times more potent than heroin, according to the DEA.
“The actual lethal dose is very small, about 2 milligrams, or the equivalent of two grains of salt,” said Sergeant Edgar Guerra of the Yuma County Sheriff's Office.
“We peaked in 2021 with a total of 33 fentanyl-related deaths. If you combine fentanyl with other opioids, the total number of deaths is 60,” Sergeant Guerra said of the deadliest year to date.
The state saw 2,019 opioid-related deaths in 2021 and 1,927 in 2022, according to the Arizona Department of Health Services.
But Sergeant Guerra said while the number of deaths has decreased, fentanyl remains a problem in the area.
“There has been a clear downward trend over the last few years, but it's not necessarily a decrease in the drugs themselves, it's actually an increase in seizures.”
A major contributing factor to the fentanyl crisis is the proximity of the border.
“Unfortunately, one of the things that's unique to this region and that people have easy access to is the border, so people can easily cross the border or drive across and get these drugs,” Sergeant Guerra explained.
According to U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP), 14,104 pounds of fentanyl were seized along the southwest border in fiscal year 2022, and in 2023, that number doubled with CBP seizing 26,718 pounds of fentanyl.
So far this year, 10,881 pounds have been seized.
The Yuma County Anti-Drug Coalition said one of the biggest weapons in the fight against fentanyl is the drug called naloxone, commonly known as Narcan.
“If we can distribute more naloxone, everyone has it, and if an overdose occurs, there's a better chance someone can step in and administer it,” said Ryan Butcher with the Yuma County Anti-Drug Coalition.
You can find out where to get free Narcan and more information on fentanyl awareness here. here.
