Dakota County sheriff warns of fentanyl‑linked overdose spike
The Dakota County Sheriff’s Office issued an alert Wednesday reporting a spike in overdoses over the past week — with a sharp increase in the last 24 hours — that investigators suspect is tied to fentanyl being mixed into other street drugs like cocaine, crack and meth. Deputies are urging residents to recognize opioid‑overdose signs such as unconsciousness and slowed breathing, to carry naloxone (Narcan), and to use fentanyl test strips and local health services that are available across Minnesota.
📌 Key Facts
- Dakota County has seen a recent spike in both fatal and non‑fatal overdoses, with a notable jump in the last 24 hours.
- Investigators believe a higher presence of fentanyl in the local drug supply, including in cocaine, crack cocaine and methamphetamine, is driving the surge.
- The Sheriff’s Office is asking the public to carry naloxone, know overdose symptoms, and use fentanyl test strips and health services that are available statewide.
📊 Relevant Data
In Minnesota, African American residents, who make up about 7% of the population, are two times more likely to die from drug overdoses than White residents, who comprise about 78% of the population.
Differences in Rates of Drug Overdose Deaths by Race — Minnesota Department of Health
American Indian Minnesotans, who comprise about 1% of the population, are five times more likely to die from drug overdoses than White Minnesotans.
Differences in Rates of Drug Overdose Deaths by Race — Minnesota Department of Health
Illicit fentanyl is primarily manufactured in foreign clandestine labs and smuggled into the United States through Mexico by drug trafficking organizations.
Facts about Fentanyl — Drug Enforcement Administration
Minnesota saw a 25 percent drop in overdose deaths from 2023 to 2024, contrasting with local spikes such as in Dakota County.
Governor Walz Announces 25 Percent Drop in Overdose Deaths — Office of Governor Tim Walz & Lt. Governor Peggy Flanagan
In Minnesota, overdose rates among older Black men (ages 55-74) have risen sharply since 2019, accelerated by synthetic opioids such as fentanyl.
Overdose deaths disproportionately impact older Black men. Few programs address their needs. — MPR News
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