Dr. Jeremy Deaton Provides Narcan to Local Law Enforcement Agency Drug Dogs to Protect Against Fentenyl

Latest studies confirm that U.S. drug overdoses resulting in death continue to trend upward and are now hitting record numbers with Fentanyl fast becoming the name most associated with that tragic loss of life.

In his role as both the Cherokee County Coroner and a local veterinarian, Dr. Jeremy Deaton is familiar with the dangers of this drug and has chosen to provide to local law enforcement a supply of Narcan for each drug dog, should they come into contact with Fentanyl

Centre Police Chief Kirk Blankenship, Centre Police Department K-9 Officer Dustin Huggins, K-9 Switch and Dr. Jeremy Deaton

Dr. Deaton shared with us how the idea to supply Narcan for each drug dog came about:

Cherokee County Sheriff’s Office Drug Dog “Keelo”

Cedar Bluff Police Department Drug Dog “Jagger”

Fentanyl was originally used exclusively in the medical field approved by the FDA for use as an adjunct to anesthesia, and in some cases during post-operative recovery; it’s also used in managing advanced cancer pain and in similar situations.   Illegal non-pharmaceutical Fentenyl is produced in labs and sold on the street under a wide variety of names.  It’s cheap to make and highly-sought after – making it extremely popular with manufacturers and dealers, who often lace it with heroin or cocaine. 

According to the Drug Enforcement Agency, much of what is being found on the streets isn’t being diverted from hospitals but is instead being brought in from China and Mexico.  Often those buying it on the street have no idea it’s actually Fentenyl, which is 30 – 50 times more potent than heroin and 50 to 100 times stronger than morphine.  Overdoses are up because the users are unaware of just how strong the drugs that they’re buying may be and extreme potency – where the drug is deadly simply through touch or smell – is a danger to everyone

We spoke by phone with Centre Mayor Tony Wilkie about the deadly drug Fentenyl, and he expressed his appreciation to Dr. Deaton for his actions in providing these service animals with life-saving Narcan:

Anyone who suspects illegal drug activity is taking place within their community is strongly encouraged to contact authorities immediately.  Any information provided will remain strictly confidential.

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