Faribault Police, Special Task Force Investigate Drug Overdose

FARIBAULT, MN — Authorities in the Faribault area are investigating a drug overdose linked to the use of an extremely powerful opioid.

On Feb. 14, the Faribault Police Department responded to a residence in the 300 block of 6th Avenue NE for a death investigation involving a 43-year-old female.

Officials say initial investigative findings pointed to a possible drug overdose.

The Cannon River Drug and Violent Offender Task Force (CRDVOTF) was contacted and took over the investigation and has been working with the Hennepin County Medical Examiner’s Office.

On March 28th, Hennepin County Medical Examiner Dr. Andrew Baker received toxicology reports that showed the victim died due to carfentanil in her system.

According to the Drug Enforcement Administration, carfentanil is used as a tranquilizing agent for elephants and other large mammals.

The investigation is ongoing, according to a news release.

Carfentantil has also been linked to other recent overdose cases across the state.

Local and state law enforcement, as well as the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA), are all concerned this substance has hit Minnesota.

Carfentanil is a synthetic opioid which is approximately 10,000 times more potent than morphine and 100
times more potent than fentanyl.

The presence of carfentanil in illicit U.S. drug markets is cause for concern, as the relative strength of this drug could lead to an increase in overdoses and overdose-related deaths, even among opioid-tolerant users. Along with drug users, carfentanil and other fentanyl analogues also present a serious risk to public safety, first responders, medical, treatment, and laboratory personnel.

These substances can come in several forms, including powder, blotter paper, tablets, patch, and spray. Some forms can be absorbed through the skin or accidentally inhaled. Carfentanil is used as a tranquilizing agent for elephants and other large animals.

An extremely small amount (the size of a couple grains of salt) can be fatal in humans.

Carfentanil can be lethal at the two milligram range, depending on route of administration and other factors.

All Rice County and Le Sueur County participating public safety partners in the CRDVOTF are aware of this
public health concern and have access to naloxone in the event of an exposure.

Naloxone is an antidote for opioid overdose and by immediately administering naloxone it can reverse an overdose of carfentanil, fentanyl, or other opioids.

Citizens that may have friends or family members using opiods can also obtain prescriptions of Naloxone from their primary care physicians through Sterling Pharmacy in Northfield.

Faribault Police Chief Andy Bohlen commented, “Deadly carfentanil in Minnesota is extremely concerning for
public safety and we urge citizens to contact law enforcement if someone has come in contact with this
substance.

Authorities say they are working together with other law enforcement leaders, the Violent Crimes Coordinating Council, the Department of Public Safety, and DEA to get the message out across the State of Minnesota."

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