The Wichita City Council discussed the dangers of fentanyl and marijuana at their monthly workshop Tuesday morning.
Council members had asked city staff to provide information about fentanyl use and overdoses, along with city ordinances pertaining to the illicit drug.
Wichita Police Captain Travis Rakestraw said fentanyl can be in pill or powder form, each with deadly consequences.
According to police, 23 fentanyl-related deaths were reported in the county in 2018. Three years later, the number jumped to 160.
While testing strips can be used to detect fentanyl in illegal drugs, being in possession of those strips is currently against state and city law.
Council members also discussed the pros and cons of the decriminalization of marijuana. Captain Rakestraw said since 2019, 12 people have been killed in marijuana drug transactions that have occurred within the city limits.
