BLACKWOOD, N.J. (KYW Newsradio) — "Fentanyl is fatal."
Camden County officials are getting out that message in a new awareness and education campaign targeting recreational drug users.
“It can truly happen to anyone at any time. I just wish that my son didn’t have to be the example," said a tearful Tanya Niederman at the Remembrance and Hope Memorial in Blackwood.
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Niederman lost her 19-year-old son J.J. to fentanyl in February. He died as a result of ingesting cocaine that he was unaware was laced with the synthetic opioid.
“If one life can be saved, then his death was not in vain," said Niederman.
"I urge you to talk to your children. Educate them on the dangers of fentanyl, and support legislation that will provide accountability and justice for our children.”
“This campaign is for individuals that may not have an opioid abuse disorder, are using substances recreationally, and have no idea where they are coming from because unfortunately, those substances contain fentanyl," said Camden County Commissioner Director Louis Cappelli.
"Fentanyl is so deadly that if you don’t have any previous exposure to it, it can kill you instantly when you use it in drugs like cocaine, ecstasy, or marijuana, “
Acting Camden County Prosecutor Grace MacAulay said getting fentanyl-laced drugs off the streets is a priority.
“In Camden County, we’ve seen many people die of an overdose from taking cocaine or pills that they did not know was either laced with fentanyl or pure fentanyl," said MacAuley.
"Drug dealers are adding fentanyl to cocaine and other narcotics because they are seeking to turn the occasional buyer into a daily customer."
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Officials say 70% of overdose fatalities in Camden County had fentanyl in their toxicology results.
There are various fentanyl billboards throughout Camden County, two of which are shown below.
