A look at fentanyl use in eastern New Mexico

According to the Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), fentanyl is a major contributor to fatal and nonfatal overdoses in the U.S.

What does fentanyl use in eastern New Mexico look like? Robert Telles, Captain with the Clovis Police Department, answers that question.

Telles said they've started to see a noticeable increase in the amount of fentanyl being found here in the area over the last couple of years.

"Fentanyl is highly addictive and provides a greater high than heroin which is why we have seen a significant increase in it in the Clovis area," he said.

There are different ways fentanyl can be disguised.

"We have even recently seen changes in the appearance of fentanyl pills," Telles said. "Previously Fentanyl pills were easy to identify based on their color (blue), shape, and identifying markings. Currently, these pills are being produced in a variety of colors and are now referred to as skittles."

The pills can also be disguised easily in prescription bottles Telles said.

"Law enforcement will usually not check someone's prescription bottles if properly marked," he said.

Telles said to look out for Pills in small pockets, small baggies, or small rolled-up packages of foil.

Telles said these changes in color are just another way to disguise the pills.

"Many think it is to attract more kids and it really isn't. That is not the means by which the cartels are pushing it and it's not their targeted demographic since most kids can't afford pills let alone are they really wanting kids to use them," Telles said.

The CDC said fentanyl is a synthetic opioid that is up to 50 times stronger than heroin and 100 times stronger than morphine. It's easy to access, according to Telles, because of the small size and different looks. This can also make it easy to handle and distribute.

"Most of our known heroin users and dealers have now moved to these fentanyl pills because it is profitable and easy to get access," he added. The most common age group found with the drug in the area has been from 18 to 30.

"There is no substantial information indicating kids under 18 are becoming addicted to fentanyl," he said. "The narcotics division is continuously working to curb that issue but it isn't easy when some kids get these drugs from parents or family members who are addicted to drugs."

Telles said someone is likely addicted to fentanyl if there is a "substantial amount of rolled-up foil or sheets." He said they will tend to have black residue on them from someone crushing and smoking the pills on these foils.

Because fentanyl is extremely dangerous, Telles suggests that if someone locates pills like this or a suspicious powder, do not handle it, but notify law enforcement.

"It takes a very small amount of fentanyl to cause an overdose and without immediate intervention, this can be fatal," he said.