APD reminder: Free fentanyl test strips are available at the police station
Last week, Alameda Police officers responded to a theft in progress at a store in South Shore Center and found not only stolen goods but multiple baggies of narcotics.
With the help of witnesses, police officers quickly located the suspect, who attempted to leave the area and discard items along the way, according to an APD report on Facebook. When detained, the suspect was found to be in possession of stolen property and multiple baggies of fentanyl.
Officers retraced the suspect’s steps and recovered additional baggies of fentanyl. The individual was arrested for possession of narcotics for sale, theft, and other related offenses.
Last month, APD officers responded to four narcotics-violation reports here in Alameda, down 63% from the same month last year. Overall, however, there were 69 narcotics-violation reports January through July this year, compared with 66 for the same period last year.
APD offers free Fentanyl test strips, all officers trained to treat overdoses
The Alameda Police Department offers free fentanyl test strips at the front counter of the station at 1555 Oak Street. Test strips and Naloxone (Narcan) are also available from the California Department of Public Health.
It takes just five minutes to determine the presence of fentanyl. If an individual is found to be experiencing an opioid overdose, such as those caused by fentanyl, Narcan (naloxone) can quickly restore normal breathing and reverse the overdose.
Signs of an overdose include unconsciousness, very small pupils, slow or shallow breathing, vomiting, inability to speak, faint heartbeat, limp arms and legs, or pale skin, purple lips and fingernails, according to the National Institute of Drug Abuse (NIDA). If any of these signs are present, call 911 immediately.
All APD officers are equipped with Narcan and are trained to administer this critical medication when they encounter an individual experiencing an opioid overdose such as those caused by ingesting fentanyl.
For resources on substance abuse or treatment programs, please reach out to the Alameda County Behavioral Health Care Services hotline at 844-682-7215.