The Fargo Police Department is seeking the communities help in reducing the occurrence of overdoses by seeking help for addiction, and reporting illegal drug activity in their neighborhood.
As of May 31, 2021, the Fargo Police Department has responded to 67 reports of overdoses this year, 13 of which were fatal. The number of overdoses reported so far is quickly gaining on the 91 reported for the year of 2020, which is alarming. The trend we are continuing to see is the use of M30s, Oxycodone, or Percocet that has Fentanyl in them. These pills are typically small, round, and blue in color. Some pills have “M30” stamped on them, but some have no markings. The department would like to remind the community not to ingest any substance that was acquired through illegal means, as it may not be what it is advertised to be.
If you are with someone who is experiencing an overdose, call 911 immediately. The Overdose Prevention and Immunity Law (North Dakota Century Code 19-03.1-23.4) protects victims of an overdose from prosecution for ingesting and/or possessing illegal drugs and also protects those individuals present during an overdose situation, provided they remain on scene until assistance arrives and cooperate with the medical treatment of the victim.
The Fargo Police Department’s Narcotics Unit thoroughly investigates all reported overdoses. The purpose of these investigations is to identify people, or groups of people, who are distributing these dangerous substances to the citizens of Fargo who suffer from addiction, and hold them accountable for providing and/or manufacturing these drugs. House Bill 1287, which takes effect on August 1, 2021, provides an enhanced penalty for drug dealers and traffickers found guilty of selling, distributing, or delivering a controlled substance, which causes the death of an individual.
The department is sensitive to the fact that addiction to opiates is a very serious problem and is extremely difficult to overcome. Addiction and overdoses are a community wide problem and the department is asking for your help in order to reduce the occurrences we are seeing, and save lives. If you or someone you know is suffering from addiction, please seek help. Narcan is available for free at the Harm Reduction Center, located at 510 5th St. N. They are open Monday and Thursday from 4 to 8 p.m., Tuesday and Wednesday from 1 to 5 p.m., and Friday from 8 a.m. to Noon, and can be reached at 701.298.6982
If you suspect illegal drug activity is occurring in your neighborhood, please call our Narcotics Unit at 701.241.1405.