​Fentanyl Use Uptick Alarms Gilroy Authorities

GILROY, CA — Authorities are advising the public to be aware of an uptick of fentanyl use in Gilroy and are joining the family of a man who died of an overdose in the South Bay city last month in urging anyone struggling with drug abuse to seek help.

Nathaniel Carrasco, 20, was pronounced dead at the scene on Nov. 16 when Gilroy police officers and Gilroy Fire Department paramedics responded to a motel in the 6100 block of Monterey Road to a report of a drug overdose.

Preliminary tests showed that the San Jose man had consumed fentanyl, among other drugs, police said.

Carrasco’s death is among several in Gilroy attributed to fentanyl, Gilroy police said.

Police said they want the public to be aware that fentanyl is an extremely dangerous and powerful narcotic.

“Fentanyl is increasingly dangerous because even small undetectable doses can have devastating effects,” the Gilroy Police Department said in a news release.

“Illegal drug makers are also using fentanyl in illegal pill presses and other street drugs. Many drug users are completely unaware they have consumed fentanyl until it is too late.”

Anyone who has information about Carrasco’s case is asked to contact Detective Jason Greathead at Jason.Greathead@cityofgilroy.org, calling 408-846-0373, or calling the anonymous tip line at 408-846-0330. The case reference No. is 20-5278.

Carrasco’s family and the Gilroy Police Department are encouraging anyone who needs help with drug abuse to reach out.

The Gilroy Police Department has provided a list of resources offering help:

• Alcoholics Anonymous, 212-870-3400 or aa.org
• Narcotics Anonymous, 818-773-9999 or Na.org
• Santa Clara County Services:
• Substance Use Services – 800-488-9919
• Substance Use Prevention Services – 408-794-0660
• Youth Substance Use Services – 408-272-6518