Opioid/Fentanyl Epidemic - Impact from U.S. Open Boarders [TX]

Course Preview

Course Author(s)

Chris Day - Detective Manchester PD - Assigned to DEA, Ryan C. Pouliot M.D., Brad Worrell - Drug Enforcement Administration -Retired

Course Summary

The explosive and tragic opioid and fentanyl epidemic continues to affect our nation, causing unprecedented destruction in many of our communities. Every law enforcement officer needs to take this course!

Demand for heroin and its derivatives is quickly being outpaced by the skyrocketing consumption of numerous fentanyl-related derivatives and other increasingly more potent substances available on the domestic illicit drug market. The misuse and abuse of opioids and fentanyl has forced necessary changes in the way law enforcement personnel conduct day-to-day operations in order to protect themselves from dangerous risk.

In this course, you will learn from medical and law enforcement personnel about four main points:

  1. History: A brief history of opioids and derivatives of illicit drugs appearing on the streets. How did this current epidemic evolve? What are the symptoms and effects of these drugs?
  2. Drug sources: How do these illicit drugs travel to our streets? How will the potency and availability of these drugs change over time?
  3. Typical scenarios: What might be encountered in a typical overdose situation? How could a typical drug overdose investigation be elevated to become a critical crime scene investigation? What new awareness do you need to have? NARCAN® (naloxone HCl) Nasal Spray usage is discussed.
  4. Personal concerns/protection: What personal protection protocol should be considered? Why has the risk been elevated?

Course Syllabus

  • Module 1 - The Opioid/Fentanyl Epidemic

    • Course Goals and Objectives
    • Introduction by Dr. Pouliot
    • Brief history of legal opioid abuse
    • Introduction by Brad Worrell
    • Important information for first responders
    • Opioid: What it is and how it works
    • Heroin
    • Fentanyl
    • Illicit fentanyl
    • Module Assessment

  • Module 2 - Production and Distribution

    • Illegal importation and packaging
    • Illicit Fentanyl Production/Sales/Seizures
    • Mexican Cartels
    • Corruption in Mexico
    • Chaos at the Southwest Boarder
    • Scenario 1
    • Scenario 2
    • Summary
    • Module Assessment

  • Module 3 - Final Assessment

    • Assessment