Imagine going to prison for assaulting an officer of the law – except you did nothing except have some bad drugs in your possession.
Far too many people don’t have to imagine this scenario thanks to a troubling myth that has taken on epic proportions in law enforcement communities.
It takes more than a mere touch to overdose
Nobody denies that fentanyl has become a significant concern in the United States, largely due to its potency and the potential for overdose when it is (knowingly or unknowingly) mixed with other drugs. However, the belief that someone – like a police officer who brushes a few grains of the drug off their uniform with a bare hand – can overdose simply by touching the drug is simply not true.
Unfortunately, that false narrative has not only created unnecessary panic among police and first responders, but it’s also leading to wrongful convictions and jail time based on fictional “assaults” with a deadly drug.
Stories of officers allegedly overdosing after coming into contact with fentanyl-laced substances have circulated widely, even though toxicologists say that’s impossible. Common sense, too, should tell people that the drug cannot be absorbed through the skin like that, or it would be impossible for it to be handled by drug dealers and addicts alike. Fentanyl can only be absorbed through the skin when it has a special formulation, such as those found in transdermal patches used in hospital settings.
Medical professionals say that the reports of law enforcement officers suffering from dizziness, nausea and difficulty breathing after touching fentanyl are more likely attributable to psychological issues, such as panic attacks. However, fear and misinformation have led to overly aggressive prosecutions any time fentanyl is involved in a drug bust.
If you’re facing charges related to an officer’s alleged physical reaction to fentanyl that was found in your possession, it’s smart to get an experienced defense on your side.