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MARYLAND News (10/29/2024) – In response to Maryland’s escalating fentanyl overdose crisis, the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of Maryland and the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) have established the Maryland Fatal Fentanyl Overdose Task Force (MFFOTF). Spearheaded by U.S. Attorney Erek L. Barron and DEA Washington Division’s Special Agent in Charge Jarod Forget, the task force is tackling an alarming rate of fentanyl-related fatalities that have claimed more than 1,600 lives statewide from July 2023 to June 2024.
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Washington County, including Hagerstown, is among the communities involved in this initiative, reflecting the pervasive reach of fentanyl across Maryland. As an opioid over 50 times more potent than heroin, fentanyl has infiltrated all corners of the state, with its availability growing at a concerning rate. The MFFOTF initiative seeks to engage local, state, and federal agencies in targeted actions to address this epidemic. The task force includes 17 participating law-enforcement agencies, including the Hagerstown Police Department and the Washington County Sheriff’s Office.
Operating under the DEA’s Washington Division and the U.S. Attorney’s Office for Maryland, MFFOTF brings together members from multiple agencies who retain their regular responsibilities while contributing to task force efforts as needed. The program focuses on enhancing the evidence collection and preservation process, which is critical to prosecuting overdose-related cases. Additionally, MFFOTF will work to provide community outreach and education to vulnerable populations throughout the state.
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Task force activities have already included educational presentations for over 200 Maryland senior citizens, with sessions held in communities such as Hagerstown, Salisbury, and Elkton. This outreach is part of a broader strategy to inform residents about the dangers of fentanyl and to drive home the message that “One Pill Can Kill.” The initiative also includes a new Public Service Announcement and specialized training for law enforcement responding to overdose incidents.
Story by multiple RFHC contributors
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