Fentanyl pills laced with Xylazine causing major issues in Cass County

FARGO (KVRR) – This week, it was reported that over 85,000 fentanyl pills were seized by the Cass County Drug Task Force. Which was an increase of 126% from 2022. This has caused concern in the county, as this poses a major risk to public health and safety.

“Lot of the conversations we have everyday are about fentanyl and the dangers that we are seeing here locally.” said Jordan Beyer, a harm reduction specialist with Fargo Cass Public Health.

These pills can be deadly and can impact anyone. But, there is another issue that comes with it. More and more lately, some of these pills have been laced with Xylazine. Also known as ‘Tranq’, it’s a powerful sedative that is causing horrific wounds to people that use drugs laced with it. And it is being seen here in Fargo according to the Harm Reduction Center.

“The wounds I think are the big scary part of it. We hand out wound dressing kits, wound care kits. And we really talk about how to keep those wounds clean and how to make sure you are taking care of yourself so you don’t have to get infected, have something amputated. It’s scary.” said Beyer.

But as we’ve seen. That issue is only getting worse and worse as the years go by. Mac Schneider, the U.S. Attorney for the District of North Dakota, says they are doing everything they can to prosecute those that are bringing these harmful drugs into the region.

“It is an epidemic and we’ve tried to respond with being aggressive,” said Schneider. “If it’s entities that are targeting tribal communities in North Dakota, you can count on a prosecution for that. If you are an international trafficker that wants to prey on North Dakota. You can count on being prosecuted in that instance as well. Across the board that’s what we try to focus on. Relentless prosecution of these individuals who are trying to make a buck off of addicts in North Dakota.”

The Harm Reduction Center says they have talks regularly with people that come through their doors about the dangers of fentanyl and Xylazine. Because it is important to remember that the addicts that are struggling with this are still a part of the community. Because addiction does not discriminate.

“Everyone nationwide knows somebody who is struggling with substance use. I think having the open honest conversations with your loved ones, especially if you know that they are struggling. And really just looking into the different options that folks can have to get well.” said Beyer.

For more information on harm reduction programs in Cass County, click here. There are multiple resources available to help those in need.