Federal, local law enforcement warn of surge in illicit opioid trade in Spokane

Illicit, synthetic opioid drugs that have killed teenagers in Eastern Washington and reportedly sickened Spokane law enforcement officers in recent weeks have local, state and federal officials warning the community a "scourge" has arrived.

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Wed., Oct. 21, 2020

Mayor Nadine Woodward speaks at a press conference, Wednesday, Oct. 21, 2020, at the federal courthouse in Spokane about a new campaign aimed at educating the public about illicit Fentanyl, which can be deadly in doses as small as two milligrams. She appeared with Spokane Police Chief Craig Meidl, left, U.S. Attorney Bill Hyslop and DEA Special Agent Keith Weis, right.

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Mayor Nadine Woodward, left, and Spokane Police Chief Craig Meidl, right, listen to U.S. Attorney Bill Hyslop at a press conference, Wednesday, Oct. 21, 2020, at the federal courthouse in Spokane talk about a new campaign aimed at educating the public about illicit Fentanyl, which can be deadly in doses as small as two milligrams. The campaign will involve PSAs on social media, TV, billboards and radio.

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Spokane Police Chief Craig Meidl, second from left, speaks at a press conference, Wednesday, Oct. 21, 2020, at the federal courthouse in Spokane talk about a new campaign aimed at educating the public about illicit Fentanyl, which can be deadly in doses as small as two milligrams. Meidl told of police officers sickened by being in the presence of the drug and touching people who had ingested it. Behind him are Mayor Nadine Woodward, left, U.S. Attorney Bill Hyslop and DEA Special Agent Keith Weis. The campaign will involve PSAs on social media, TV, billboards and radio.

Jesse Tinsley The Spokesman-Review Buy this photo
Spokane Police Chief Craig Meidl, second from left, speaks at a press conference, Wednesday, Oct. 21, 2020, at the federal courthouse in Spokane about a new campaign aimed at educating the public about illicit fentanyl, which can be deadly in doses as small as 2 milligrams.

Jesse Tinsley The Spokesman-Review Buy this photo
U.S. Attorney Bill Hyslop, second from left, speaks at a press conference, Wednesday, Oct. 21, 2020, at the federal courthouse in Spokane about a new campaign aimed at educating the public about illicit Fentanyl, which can be deadly in doses as small as two milligrams. Behind him are Spokane Mayor Nadine Woodward, left, Spokane Police Chief Craig Meidl and DEA Special Agent Keith Weis. The campaign will involve PSAs on social media, TV, billboards and radio.

Jesse Tinsley The Spokesman-Review Buy this photo
U.S. Attorney Bill Hyslop, second from left, speaks at a news conference Wednesday at the federal courthouse in Spokane about a new campaign aimed at educating the public about illicit fentanyl. Behind him are Spokane Mayor Nadine Woodward, left, Spokane Police Chief Craig Meidl and DEA Special Agent Keith Weis.

Jesse Tinsley The Spokesman-Review Buy this photo
U.S. Attorney Bill Hyslop speaks at a press conference Oct. 21 at the U.S. Federal Courthouse in Spokane about a new campaign aimed at educating the public about illicit fentanyl. Hyslop said Wednesday he would step down as the district’s top lawyer by the end of the month, complying with a request made by the Biden administration.

Jesse Tinsley The Spokesman-Review Buy this photo