Dakota County authorities are warning people that even recreational drug users are at risk for accidental overdose and death because of the possibility that fentanyl is being found in powder cocaine.

The Dakota County Drug Task Force said there has been an increase in overdoses, including fatal ones, since mid-February.

This may be because of a possible increased presence of fentanyl in drugs, specifically powder cocaine, crack cocaine and methamphetamine.

It warned people to be aware of the signs of an opioid overdose that include:

Loss of consciousness
Unresponsive to outside stimulus
Blue or purplish-black fingernails and lips
Slow, erratic or absent pulse
Slow, shallow, erratic or stopped breathing
For lighter-skinned people, bluish-purple skin tone
For darker-skinned people, gray or ashen skin tone
Choking sounds or snore-like gurgling noise
Vomiting
Limp body

The task force advises people to carry naloxone and use fentanyl test strips if needed. Naloxone, also called Narcan, will reverse an opioid overdose if used in time. People can find naloxone here or at the Syringe Service Program Network Calendar at the state Department of Health.

Learn more about treatment options in Minnesota at the MN Detox Programs. Steve Rummler HOPE Network

Find available treatment options: Fast Tracker – Fast Tracker (fasttrackermn.org)

Locate opioid-use disorder treatment providers: Buprenorphine Treatment Practitioner Locator – SAMHSA

For immediate mental health and emotional support, call 988. Or text the crisis line by texting “MN” to 741741. For emergencies, call 911.

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