Police Department: ‘Rainbow Fentanyl’ Found in Centralia

A colorful form of fentanyl law enforcement officials fear could appeal to children has been found in Centralia, according to a Tuesday news release by the Centralia Police Department. 

At about 5:20 a.m. Saturday, Dec. 3, officers responded to a suspicious vehicle parked at a business in the 800 block of Harrison Avenue. 

“During their investigation, officers located a subject in possession of ‘rainbow fentanyl,’” according to the news release. “Over the last few years, the use of fentanyl in both pill and powder forms has had a deadly impact in our area. The fentanyl pill known as rainbow fentanyl poses a new and different threat, it appears to look like a multi-colored candy that would appeal to most kids. This highly addictive and potentially deadly form of fentanyl that looks like candy has now been found in our community.”

The Centralia Police Department stated it is important to spread awareness about “the dangers of this drug trend that appears to be a new method used by drug cartels to sell highly addictive and potentially deadly fentanyl made to look like candy to children and young people.”

According to Centralia police, just 2 milligrams of fentanyl, a small amount that fits on the tip of a pencil, is considered a potentially deadly dose. 

Anyone with possible information about the illegal use of fentanyl in Centralia is encouraged to call the Centralia Police Department at 360-330-7680 or Lewis County 911 Communications at 360-740-1105.

The Centralia Police Department provided the following guidance: 

What you need to know: 

• Fentanyl can be present in a variety of forms (e.g., powder, tablets, capsules, solutions, and rocks).
• Inhalation of airborne powder is MOST LIKELY to lead to harmful effects.
• Incidental skin contact may occur during daily activities but is not expected to lead to harmful effects if the contaminated skin is promptly washed off with water.
• Naloxone is an effective medication that rapidly reverses the effects of fentanyl.

Overdose symptoms: 

• Small, constricted “pinpoint pupils”
• Falling asleep or losing consciousness
• Slow, weak or no breathing
• Choking or gurgling sounds and imp body
• Cold and/or clammy skin
• Discolored skin (especially in lips and nails)

What you should do: 

If you believe you have been exposed to a substance that could be fentanyl:

• Do not touch your eyes, nose, or mouth.
• Wash your hands with soap and water to remove any substance from your hands.
• If you begin to experience any adverse medical symptoms, seek medical attention.