LAFAYETTE, LA – Six correctional deputies in Lafayette Parish were hospitalized Thursday after being exposed to fentanyl, a powerful synthetic opioid that has been linked to a growing number of overdose deaths in the area. The deputies were in the process of booking and processing an individual when a white, powdery substance was thrown at them.
The substance was later confirmed to be fentanyl, which law enforcement and medical professionals have warned is a highly potent and potentially deadly drug. The suspect responsible for throwing the substance is currently in custody.
Dr. Foster Kordisch, emergency room director and physician at Lafayette General, explained the dangers of fentanyl, describing it as “a very strong opiate—basically, heroin on steroids.” He emphasized that fentanyl’s potency makes it extremely dangerous and noted that it has been a major factor in the surge of overdose deaths in Lafayette Parish.
“It can kill you pretty easily, and it’s killing a lot of people in Lafayette Parish,” Dr. Kordisch said. He also highlighted the widespread presence of fentanyl in illicit drug markets, noting that it is often mixed with other substances sold on the street, increasing the risk of accidental overdose.
While fentanyl exposure through skin contact is generally not considered harmful, Dr. Kordisch warned that the drug can be absorbed through mucus membranes, such as the nose or mouth, posing a significant risk to anyone who comes into contact with it in those ways.
“Really, if it gets on your skin, there should not be any absorption of fentanyl. You can hold fentanyl pills, you can hold powder, and you should be fine, unless there’s a break in the skin,” Dr. Kordisch explained.
As of Thursday evening, all six deputies were reported to be in stable condition. Authorities are continuing to monitor their recovery. The incident serves as a stark reminder of the ongoing threat posed by fentanyl, not just to drug users but also to law enforcement officers and first responders.
The Lafayette Parish Sheriff’s Office has not yet commented on any additional safety measures being implemented for deputies in the wake of this exposure, but experts continue to urge heightened precautions when handling substances that could contain fentanyl.
Fentanyl-related overdoses have become a growing concern in the region, with authorities and healthcare professionals urging increased awareness and education on the dangers of the drug. As the opioid crisis continues to affect communities across the country, the risk of fentanyl exposure remains a serious concern for both law enforcement and the general public.