Oregonians Urged To Watch For Rainbow Fentanyl

Law enforcement across Oregon is warning about a growing problem, hitting rural and urban communities alike.

“It’s a real crisis that we’re facing. I would say an unprecedented one, when it comes to drug abuse," said Steve Mygrant, Chief of The Narcotics and Criminal Enterprises Unit for the U.S. Attorney’s Office in Oregon.  He’s concerned the new brightly colored “rainbow fentanyl”.  He said he’s worried the new variety will lead to even more overdose death, especially in young people, heading back to high school and college.   And Mygrant added no community is immune.

“This is an extremely addictive drug and extremely potent. We’ve seen a dramatic rise in the number of overdose deaths in the state of Oregon, but that doesn’t seem to deter. And the Fentanyl itself has become much less expensive over the last three years.”

Mygrant said rainbow fentanyl comes in various forms and can look like sidewalk chalk or even candy.  He added they’re ramping up fentanyl-related prosecutions, but they also need the public to be aware of its dangers.

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