MADISON, Wis. — The Department of Health Services issues a public advisory after the increase in deaths from drugs laced with synthetic substances, especially fentanyl.
Officials say fentanyl is up to 50-times stronger than heroin and up to 100-times stronger than morphine.
According to the health department, drug dealers use it to lace pills, meth and other substances because it’s so cheap and strong.
DHS data shows synthetic opioids, primarily fentanyl, were identified in 91 percent of opioid overdose deaths and in 73 percent of all overdose deaths.
The number of fentanyl overdose deaths in the state grew by 97 percent between 2019 and 2021.
