Imperial Valley Drug Coalition

Fentanyl is a synthetic opioid that is up to 100 times more potent than morphine. Even a dose as small as two milligrams — about the size of a few grains of salt — can be fatal. In many cases, it’s mixed into street drugs or fake pills without the user’s knowledge.

Regional and national trends have indicated a decline in drug overdose rates in 2024 compared to 2023 and in some instances have hit the lowest levels since before the pandemic. However, in 2024, Imperial County experienced a significant increase of 273% in drug overdose deaths from the prior year (2023). Fentanyl and/or other opioids were involved in over half of these overdose deaths. Methamphetamine is also a key contributor to drug overdose deaths in Imperial County.

Fentanyl is found in counterfeit pills, powder or liquid form, and is often mixed into other drugs like cocaine, meth and heroin, which increases the risk of accidental overdose. More recently, fentanyl has been found to be mixed with xylazine (referred to as “tranq”), a veterinary tranquilizer and pain reliever. Xylazine can lead to dangerously low levels of breathing, heart rate, and blood pressure, potentially causing life-threatening reactions.

Carfentanil, a fentanyl analog 100 times more potent than fentanyl, has emerged in U.S. drug markets and is cause for great concern to the community. The strength of this drug could lead to an increase in overdoses and overdose-related deaths, even among opioid-tolerant users. Carfentanil is typically white or beige in color and can look similar to cocaine, heroin, or fentanyl powder. It comes in many forms, including powder, blotter paper, tablets, patch, and spray.

Fentanyl is often found in fake prescription pills that look like Oxycodone (M30), Xanax, or Percocet and are usually blue in color but can also be multi-colored. It is frequently found in powder-form that can be white, blue, purple, or pink in color. Fentanyl has also been found in liquid form and often mixed into other drugs. It can also be in powder or liquid form, sometimes mixed into other drugs. Unless drugs are prescribed by a licensed medical provider and filled by a pharmacy, they may be unsafe.

Naloxone (brand name Narcan) is a life-saving medication that can reverse the effects of an opioid overdose, including fentanyl. It’s available without a prescription in California and can be administered as a nasal spray.

You may contact your local police department to inquire about the availability of Narcan (naloxone). Any California resident may also purchase naloxone through CalRX. Please visit https://calrx.ca.gov/get-naloxone/ for more information.

Call 911 immediately. Administer Narcan if available. Try to keep the person awake and breathing. Stay with them until emergency help arrives. California’s Good Samaritan Law protects you from legal consequences when calling for help during an overdose.

The Imperial Valley Drug Coalition (IVDC) and our partner agencies are working together to raise awareness, expand access to Narcan, educate families and youth, and support treatment and recovery for those struggling with substance use.

This website was created to help Imperial Valley residents stay informed about the dangers of fentanyl and the serious threat it poses to our community. Here, you’ll find current information, local resources, and ways to get involved. To learn more, request an educational presentation for your school or community group, or report fentanyl or other drug-related activity, please use the form available here.