Fentanyl Forms Encountered in Ohio
The variety of fentanyl forms encountered in Ohio continues to evolve and change. Six different physical forms have been reported to the Ohio Narcotics Intelligence Center (ONIC), including: powder, tablet, chalk, rock, black tar, and gum. The various forms reported contained fentanyl primarily mixed with other substances.
Additional forms of fentanyl that have been identified outside of Ohio include the substance molded into shapes such as pellets, popcorn, Lego-shaped blocks, puzzle pieces, and confetti tablets. While these forms have not yet been encountered in Ohio, these or similar forms have the potential of making their way into the state.
Caution is recommended to any individuals who may be in the vicinity of drugs or drug activity. Due to the variety of colors, forms, and packaging, it may not be immediately apparent that a substance contains fentanyl. This creates a potential situation for an unintended exposure/overdose given the potency of fentanyl.
Representations of Fentanyl Forms in Ohio
- Powder
- Tablets
- Chalk
- Rocks
- Black Tar
- Gum
Fentanyl Forms Encountered Throughout North America
- Alaska: Pellets Image Credit: Anchorage Police Department
- Halton, Canada: Popcorn Image Credit: Halton Regional Police Twitter Photo
- Calgary, Canada: Lego Blocks and Puzzle Pieces Image Credit: Calgary Police
- Arizona: Confetti Tablets Image Credit: Arizona Department of Public Safety
The Effectiveness of Naloxone and Fentanyl Test Strips
Naloxone, also called NARCAN®, is a medication that can reverse an opioid overdose and save lives by blocking the effects of opioids on the brain and quickly restoring breathing. Naloxone is safe but cannot be self administered: if it is given to someone who has not taken opioids it causes no harm, and emergency medical professionals have used naloxone for more than 40 years. Naloxone should be administered if a fentanyl overdose is suspected and individuals should be monitored closely to see if additional doses are needed. More information about where to obtain naloxone is available at naloxone.ohio.gov (opens in a new tab; you are leaving the South Central Ohio Major Crimes Unit website).
Fentanyl Test Strips (FTS) (opens in a new tab; you are leaving the South Central Ohio Major Crimes Unit website): FTS can detect the presence of fentanyl in all different kinds of drugs and drug forms. However, no test is 100% accurate and FTS will not detect non-fentanyl drugs, some of which can be more potent than fentanyl.
Want to talk to your children about drugs? Learn more about the DREAM program at DREAM.ohio.gov (opens in a new tab; you are leaving the South Central Ohio Major Crimes Unit website).
To Report A Drug Tip: 1-833-OHIO-NIC (644-6642) | ONICdrugtips@dps.ohio.gov | ONIC Online Tip/Lead Form (opens in a new tab; you are leaving the South Central Ohio Major Crimes Unit website) | ONIC Website (opens in a new tab; you are leaving the South Central Ohio Major Crimes Unit website)
About the Ohio Narcotics Intelligence Center
The Ohio Narcotics Intelligence Center (ONIC) was established in 2019 when Ohio Governor Mike DeWine signed Executive Order 2019-20D. The ONIC operates as part of the Ohio Department of Public Safety in four locations throughout the state. Offices consist of public safety intelligence analysts and forensic computer specialists who assist law enforcement and other public sector agencies with support and information which supports various anti-narcotics related missions.
This is the accessible text version of Fentanyl Forms Encountered in Ohio: ONIC Public Bulletin (PDF).