Officials issue new warning about fentanyl

Synthetic opioid posing problems for law enforcement

BALTIMORE —There's a new warning about fentanyl: It's not just harming people who are abusing it, it's also dangerous for police agents.

Fighting the drug is becoming more and more challenging for a variety of people, from law enforcement officers who do drug busts to employees of the U.S. Postal Service.

The synthetic opioid continues to be a huge problem in Baltimore and other major cities. Not only is fentanyl a threat to those who use it, but it is becoming an increasing challenge for medics and law enforcement officers.

Drug Enforcement Administration Deputy Administrator Jack Riley issued a roll-call video to agencies, in which he says, "If you encounter this in your daily duties, please don't field-test it in your car, or on the street, or bring it back to the office."

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