Drug overdose deaths increased in Virginia in 2016, and that’s when fentanyl came into play, according to data from the Virginia Department on Health.
Deaths increase again in 2020 when lockdowns started. Fentanyl is the main driver of those deaths.
The substance is used to treat severe pain, but there is also a high risk for addiction and dependence. Fentanyl is so deadly because it’s often disguised as other less potent drugs.
“We’re not finding just straight fentanyl typically. It’s usually mixed with something else. Some of the counterfeit pills. A lot of it’s being found in those,” said Staunton Police Public Information Officer Sergeant Butch Shifflett.