FILE - This undated file photo provided by the U.S. Attorneys Office for Utah and introduced as evidence at a trial shows fentanyl-laced fake oxycodone pills collected during an investigation. Congress has voted to temporarily extend a sweeping tool that has helped federal agents crack down on drugs chemically similar to fentanyl. The Senate on Thursday, April 29, 2021, approved legislation extending until October an order that allows the federal government to classify so-called fentanyl analogues as Schedule I controlled substances. The drugs are generally foreign-made with a very close chemical makeup to the dangerous opioid. (U.S. Attorneys Office for Utah via AP, File)
“This is clearly an epidemic. It’s here and it’s no different than what you see on TV.”
Lieutenant Dave Remiker of the Manitowoc County Metro Drug Unit not mincing words when it comes to fentanyl and the devastating effects it has and continues to impact not only the Lakeshore but nationwide.
Fentanyl is a synthetic, or manmade opioid that is mixed with other drugs such as heroin and methamphetamine that when taken delivers a more potent and longer-sustaining high.
“We go into houses and see a lot of tin foil. There will be a distinct burnt residue on it in distinct patterns where they have been smoking it,” Remiker explained. “They also cook it and put it into a syringe and inject it into their veins and also ingest the drug by snorting it. All three are extremely dangerous,”
Remiker says there’s no doubt that fentanyl has surpassed more commonly used drugs such as heroin, meth, and marijuana as the most popular drug of choice, but for how long?
“It used to be heroin, then fentanyl, now it’s car fentanyl and they just keep creating drugs that have a higher potency,” Remiker noted. “It’s a supply and demand issue and they’ll just keep what people want.”
Debates continue daily on who or what’s to blame for the huge influx of the drug, along with whether or not Narcan administered in a proper and timely manner revives one from an overdose and death.
Remiker says the issue is one of a fine balancing act.
“I recently received a text message from a gal who use to be a drug addict and sold drugs to where she is now highly successful in college and turned her life around,” he revealed. “Recovery stories are out there and that is what keeps me going every day.”
But make no mistake, the leader of the local Metro Drug Unit strongly believes that the legal system must crack down harder on those distributing fentanyl.
“When the fentanyl leaves your hand and you are giving that fentanyl to an addict whose craving it you are selling death, period,” he said. “It’s like giving someone a gun who’s suicidal. It’s wrong and there are consequences for this.”
