Fatal Florence Fentanyl Overdoses: 22 In Last 15 Months

 

According to information compiled by Florence Police Chief Ron Tyler, from January 2022 through March 2023, there have been 22 documented deaths related to fentanyl within his police jurisdiction. In other words, an average of 1.47 deaths per month.

As stated, this number reflects deaths that can be positively attributed to the drug. Obviously, some deaths may have been misidentified, while with still others fentanyl merely played a smaller part.

We're left to wonder how many similarly died in the county or the entire Shoals area? Can the latest act of our legislature remedy this?

Anyone caught possessing at least four grams of the powerful opioid is subject to life in prison with the possibility of parole. Will this be a deterrent? Perhaps a small one.

Bottom line: Know a fentanyl dealer? Turn him/her in.