Overdose Press Release 01-06-2023

OFFICE OF THE SHERIFF
Sheriff John Ward

94235 MOORE STREET, SUITE 311
29808 Colvin Street (Physical)
GOLD BEACH, OR 97444
(541) 247-3242 - (800) 543-8471
FAX: 541-247-6893
The Curry County Sheriff’s Office would like to make the public aware that we have
recently seen multiple fatal overdoses of suspected Fentanyl in the southern portion of the
County. Since the passing of Measure 110, law enforcement throughout the county have
seen an unprecedented rise in drug use, drug related crimes, and drug related deaths.
There have been several instances where multiple people fatally overdose in the same
residence, this was unheard of prior to the passage of Measure 110. The “Big City” drug
epidemic has made its way to Curry County. Our Deputies respond to multiple overdoses
every week, often the person overdosing is administered Naloxone (commonly referred to
as Narcan) prior to the arrival of EMS personnel.
Narcan can reverse the central nervous system depressant effects of an opioid or synthetic
opioid. The issue with Narcan is that it has a half-life (remains active in the body) for 30
to 80 minutes depending on the person and the amount of opiate or synthetic opiate they
have ingested.
The Sheriff’s Office is receiving reports that it is taking several doses of Narcan to
reverse an overdose as of late, sometimes up to eight doses. If the person who is in active
overdose does not seek immediate medical attention, it is possible that the Narcan can
dissipate while there is still a fatal amount of opiate or synthetic opiate in the persons
system, causing them to overdose again.
The true number of overdoses we are experiencing is unknown because many go

unreported due to fear of being arrested. The Sheriff’s Office would like to remind the
public that Oregon has a “Good Samaritan law” meaning if someone overdoses and you
call for help, you cannot be arrested or prosecuted for possessing drugs or drug
paraphernalia, being in a place where drugs are used or sold, or parole/probation
violation.
The Curry County Sheriff’s Office prioritizes the preservation of life over any possible
criminal investigation so please call for help. Naloxone is provided for free by several
organizations along with Fentanyl testing equipment. It is not required, but each Sheriff’s
Office Patrol Deputy has an emergency supply of Narcan not only for administering to
overdose victims, but also for self/buddy aid should they suffer an exposure to Fentanyl
while on the job.
Fentanyl has taken over the drug market and has become the preferred drug over heroin.
The last several seizures of heroin submitted to the State Crime Lab by CCSO have
proven to be Fentanyl disguised as heroin. Fentanyl has been found to contaminate all
other popular street and party drugs, including marijuana.
Fentanyl is cheap and easy to smuggle as it can be formed to look like anything. The
ways Fentanyl can be disguised is limited only by the smuggler’s imagination. It has been
made to appear like frozen produce, sidewalk chalk, candy, over the counter medication
and prescription medications.
A common counterfeit prescription pill we have seen is what is known on the street as a
“Dirty 30”. The Fentanyl is colored blue and pressed into the form of a legitimate 30
milligram oxycodone pill. Other counterfeit pills commonly seen are Xanax, Adderall,
and Vicodin. It is estimated that six out of 10 counterfeit pills contain a lethal dose of
Fentanyl.
Fentanyl has taken center stage due to its lethality, but we are experiencing an
exponential rise in the use of all other street drugs as well. With that comes the rise of
person, property, and public nuisance crimes such as harassment, trespassing, theft, and
disorderly conduct.
While the use of street drugs has been decriminalized in Oregon, the sale of them has not.
If you have information about persons importing or selling Fentanyl or other street drugs
in Curry County, please reach out to the Curry County Detective Division at 541-247-
3242 Ext 4. Your name and information can be kept confidential at your request.

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OFFICE OF THE SHERIFF

Sheriff John Ward

The true number of overdoses we are experiencing is unknown because many go

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