Saugus Police Responded to a Suspected Fentanyl Overdose

Fentanyl Continues to Plague Massachusetts

Saugus police responded to a possible fentanyl overdose on Sunday afternoon. Police originally suspected they were dealing with a carfentanil overdose, but Police Chief Domenic J. DiMella now says that officers located a substance they suspect is fentantyl. 

The overdose victim is a 19-year-old male, who was transported to an area hospital for evaluation.

Hazmat crews were initially called to the scene at Wickford Street. Carfentanil is a hundred times more potent than opioid fentanyl. First responders don’t handle carfentanil without gloves and masks, since the drug can cause harm just from touch or inhalation. 

Chief Michael Newbury of the Saugus Fire Department told NBC Boston, “We know that one patient has been transported to Salem Hospital. I know that all of my department members, police, and EMS are all safe. They backed out and secured the scene, and called for a hazmat team."

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