You may have noticed these new “Laced and Lethal” banners posted outside our local schools throughout Nassau County. That’s because the Nassau County Sheriff’s Office and Nassau County School District are joining forces to take aim at the deadly fentanyl crisis impacting the community.
Sheriff Bill Leeper and Superintendent Dr. Kathy Burns announced the “Laced and Lethal” campaign to raise awareness about the dangers of fentanyl and crack down on its distribution.
Fentanyl is a powerful synthetic opioid that is 50 times stronger than heroin and up to 100 times more potent than morphine. Even the smallest amount mixed into other drugs can be fatal. Right now, this drug is driving record overdose deaths locally and nationwide.
“Fentanyl is a poison plaguing our streets,” said Sheriff Bill Leeper. “With a dose as small as a few grains of salt able to kill, our community is facing a frightening epidemic. The “Laced and Lethal” campaign is our united front to fight back.”
Sheriff Leeper said that the primary mission of the campaign is to educate and create awareness, especially among students and young adults who are frequently targeted by these dangerous drug dealers who market the drug as prescription pills and other forms of drugs.
“Our children are the biggest victims when fentanyl is allowed to spread unchecked,” said Superintend Dr. Kathy Burns. “By combining law enforcement’s resources with our ability to directly educate students and families, we have a powerful strategy to attack both the supply and demand fueling this crisis.
Our deputies and school resource officers will remain vigilant and attempt to cut off the fentanyl supply chain to our students.
By working together, the Nassau County Sheriff’s Office and Nassau County School District can help prevent more tragic and unnecessary loss of life.