Prevalence of fentanyl in methamphetamine and cocaine samples collected by community-based drug checking services

Original research
by
Wagner, Karla D. et al

Release Date

2023

Geography

USA

Language of Resource

English

Full Text Available

No

Open Access / OK to Reproduce

No

Peer Reviewed

Yes

Objective

We quantified prevalence of fentanyl in street methamphetamine and cocaine, stratified by crystalline texture, analyzing samples sent voluntarily to a public mail-in drug checking service (May 2021-June 2023).

Findings/Key points

Fentanyl was detected primarily in powder forms of methamphetamine and cocaine. Recommended interventions include expanding community-based drug checking, naloxone and fentanyl test strip distribution for stimulant users, and supervised drug consumption sites. New strategies to dampen variability in street drug composition are needed to reduce inadvertent fentanyl exposure.

Design/methods

718 lab-confirmed samples of methamphetamine (64%) and cocaine (36%).

Keywords

Illegal drugs
Drug checking
Stimulants