6 Overdoses In Fairfax County Prompt Warning In Alexandria

ALEXANDRIA, VA — The City of Alexandria released a warning to residents about a fatal batch of cocaine laced with fentanyl after six overdoses just outside the city in Fairfax County Tuesday.

Fairfax County Police Chief Kevin Davis said six people overdosed Tuesday morning in the 5500 block of Seminary Road in the Bailey's Crossroads area. Davis said the victims, aged between 23 and 35, came from Babylon Futbol Cafe back to their apartment before the overdose. The mother of one of the victims found six unconscious people inside the apartment and called 911.

Rescue personnel and police officers administered Narcan, which Davis credits with saving their lives. The police chief said one person is "clinging to life" and five are recovering after the overdoses. A white substance was found inside the apartment and was sent for analysis to the Virginia Department of Forensic Science.

Throughout 2021 so far, Fairfax County officers responded to 201 overdoses, 55 of which were fatal. There were 239 overdoses in all of 2020, up 51 percent from 2019. Eighty of these were fatal, and 45 of these involved fentanyl as a contributor.

"Fatal doses of cocaine and heroine are often laced with fentanyl and car fentanyl, which are dangerous synthetic opioids that can be lethal with even the smallest dose," said Davis.

Davis said he wanted to inform the community about the presence of the fentanyl-laced cocaine so Fairfax County and other localities in the DC region could avoid more overdoses.

In light of the overdoses in the neighboring jurisdiction, Alexandria officials urge residents to be cautious about cocaine purchased in the DC metropolitan area. Life-threatening situations should be directed to 911. Signs of an overdose include loss of consciousness, pinpoint pupils, low or shallow breathing, nausea or vomiting, and blue or black fingernails. The Safe Reporting of Overdose Law ensures an individual is not prosecuted if calling for help with an overdose for themselves or others.

In Alexandria, residents can receive free Narcan (Naloxone), which can save the life of someone overdosing on substances with opioids if given in time. Anyone who administers Narcan is protected from liability by the Good Samaritan Law. Fentanyl test strips can also be obtained. For free Narcan and fentanyl test strips, email your name and address to opioids@alexandriava.gov.

Residents can also get help with addiction by calling 703-746-3636 (Virginia Relay 711), 24 hours a day. For help to stop using heroin or other opioids, call the Opioid Treatment Program intake line at 703-746-3610. Those outside the City of Alexandria can find options at samhsa.gov or by calling 800.662.HELP (4357).

Information about past overdoses can be directed to the Alexandria Police Department at 703-746-6277.

More information about Alexandria's response to opioid misuse can be found at www.alexandriava.gov/Opioids.