Play Live Radio
Next Up:
0:00
0:00
0:00 0:00
Available On Air Stations
We're working to fix a technical issue causing problems with our broadcasts. We'll have it resolved as soon as possible. We apologize for the inconvenience.

Missoula Police Are Investigating Fentanyl Overdoses

Fentanyl tablets stamped to look like legitimate prescriptions.
Missoula Police Department
Fentanyl tablets stamped to look like legitimate prescriptions.

Missoula Police say they are investigating an undisclosed number of drug overdoses associated with pills containing fentanyl, a dangerous synthetic opioid. 

Missoula Police say they’ve seized grey pills associated with a recent spate of overdoses. Officials say the pills are stamped to make them look like a legitimate opioid prescription, but actually contain fentanyl, a synthetic opioid 50 to 100 times more potent than morphine. 

Spokeswoman Lydia Arnold says police aren’t releasing the number of overdoses connected to the pills, but she says the department is encouraging parents to talk with their kids.

“And remind them of the dangers associated with taking unknown substances and taking and how quickly overdoses can happen.”

In a press release, Missoula Police say a local 18-year-old recently died from a fentanyl overdose. The release also says other areas of Montana and neighboring states have been responding to similar overdose cases. Missoula police are not releasing any more information at this time.

If you have information related to the case, you can call crime stoppers at 406-721-4444 or call the Missoula Police Department.

Aaron graduated from the University of Minnesota School of Journalism in 2015 after interning at Minnesota Public Radio. He landed his first reporting gig in Wrangell, Alaska where he enjoyed the remote Alaskan lifestyle and eventually moved back to the road system as the KBBI News Director in Homer, Alaska. He joined the MTPR team in 2019. Aaron now reports on all things in northwest Montana and statewide health care.
Become a sustaining member for as low as $5/month
Make an annual or one-time donation to support MTPR
Pay an existing pledge or update your payment information
Related Content