Tysonomo Multimedia: In-depth look at the fentanyl crisis

Fentanyl In the Younger Community: Detective, Matthew Shay

The vast majority of fentanyl in Arizona is coming from the Sinaloa Drug Cartel in Mexico, according to the Maricopa County Sheriff's Office, which seizes millions of fentanyl pills annually. As little as 12 grains of this lethal drug can kill an adult male. Alarmingly, teens are purchasing fentanyl through social media platforms. Under the Good Samaritan Law, individuals can seek help for a fentanyl overdose without fear of prosecution, even if they were using the drug themselves or with someone who is overdosing. (Video Courtesy: Maricopa County)

Prosecuting Fentanyl Dealers:

County Attorney Rachel Mitchell has emphasized that prosecuting fentanyl dealers is a top priority for her office. Since 2017, the number of fentanyl cases submitted to the Maricopa County Attorney’s Office has skyrocketed. In 2017, the office prosecuted 37 fentanyl cases. By 2022, that number had surged to 6,629 cases, according to Mitchell. (Video Courtesy: Maricopa County)

Chairman Clint Hickman on Fentanyl Crisis:

In 2022, Arizona seized fentanyl pills valued at $28 million, highlighting the severity of the fentanyl crisis in the state. Eradicating this deadly drug is one of Chairman Clint Hickman's top priorities. To combat this threat, the Chairman has enlisted the support of various County departments and elected officials. (Video Courtesy: Maricopa County)