According to the Georgia Department of Public Health, all drug overdose deaths in Georgia increased by 61.9 percent from 2019 to 2021. According to the Georgia Attorney General, Chris Carr, Opioids, specifically fentanyl, appear to be driving these increases. From 2019 to 2021, fentanyl-involved overdose deaths increased by 232.1 percent. Stimulant-related overdoses have also been increasing in Georgia. In 2021, nearly half of all opioid-involved overdose deaths involved a stimulant.
Illicit fentanyl is a dangerous drug that is killing people in the CSRA and our community at an alarming rate. Fentanyl is a synthetic, man made opiate that can easily be produced in a lab or on the streets. Fentanyl is less expensive than other opiates and is highly addictive. Fentanyl is reported to be 50 times stronger than heroin and 100 times stronger than morphine. Deadly amounts of fentanyl are being used in manufacturing and packaging of other drugs as well. Fentanyl is being added in counterfeit pills being misrepresented as Xanax and/or Oxycodone. The bottom line is there is no safe way to use or to sell illicit fentanyl. Simply put, it is deadly.
This office will pursue murder charges against those who sell fentanyl laced products resulting in death when the facts support the charge.