Law enforcement talks dangers of fentanyl, synthetic opioids

ST. JOSEPH, Mo. (KQTV)-- Law enforcement officials are speaking out about the dangers of fentanyl and synthetic opioids.

Missouri State Highway Patrol officials visited Cameron High School on Wednesday night to hold a drug awareness presentation for students and parents.

Sergeant Shane Hux said educating the community about drugs is something they’re constantly working on especially as trends keep changing. 

"One pill can kill," Hux said. "You should only be taking something that is prescribed to you by doctor and the medication is issued by a license pharmacist."

He put a strong focus right now on fentanyl, along with another growing concern—nitazenes, which are a powerful type of synthetic opioid. 

Hux said this message matters not just from an enforcement standpoint but also when it comes to education and building partnerships—making sure families have the information they need to stay safe. 

"I believe everybody needs to familiarize themselves with this information because drug overdoses are an all-time high with almost 87 people losing their lives last year," Hux said.

Hux said the drug can also be found in other forms. He emphasized how everyone should be aware of the dangers affiliated with opioids and especially synthetic opioids.