A multi-vehicle collision in Alton leaves a man injured and authorities searching for answers.
Fentanyl Fight: DPS and CBP Reveal Safety Protocols as 40 Pounds Seized
Crime labs and border agents use advanced tools and strict precautions to detect and handle lethal drug mixtures.
Published April 25 2025
Fentanyl Fight: DPS and CBP Reveal Safety Protocols as 40 Pounds Seized
Lethal Drug Mixtures Prompt High-Stakes Safety Measures
With fentanyl seizures on the rise, the Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS) and U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) are highlighting the strict safety protocols they follow when handling this highly potent and often deadly substance. As of this fiscal year, 40 pounds of fentanyl have been intercepted by CBP, underscoring the urgency of these measures.
Crime labs and frontline officers face daily risks, particularly since fentanyl is rarely seized in pure form. It is commonly mixed with other substances—including heroin, cocaine, acetaminophen, and caffeine—which can increase its danger by making it harder to detect and easier to overdose from.
Crime Lab and Border Technology: Layers of Defense
To combat these risks, crime lab technicians and agents rely on rigorous safety gear, including:
- Gloves
- Lab coats
- Safety goggles
- Fume hoods and glove boxes
In high-risk environments such as ports of entry, CBP officers use rapid field test kits and cutting-edge tools like the Gemini analyzer, which can identify a broad spectrum of narcotics without exposing agents to dangerous levels of fentanyl.
Narcan Readiness for Life-Saving Response
Every officer and lab technician handling suspected fentanyl also has immediate access to Narcan (naloxone)—a nasal spray that can reverse opioid overdoses within minutes. Its availability has become a non-negotiable safety standard for law enforcement agencies across the country.
Fentanyl is estimated to be 50 to 100 times stronger than morphine, and even trace exposure can prove fatal. The use of Narcan can mean the difference between life and death in case of accidental contact.
Helpful Links and Contact Information
- Texas Department of Public Safety: https://www.dps.texas.gov
- U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP): https://www.cbp.gov
- Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services (SAMHSA) Helpline: 📞 (956) 800-662-HELP
For more information on fentanyl safety or to report suspected trafficking, contact the appropriate authorities or visit the resources above.
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