The fentanyl catastrophe is out of control. Learn how this dangerous drug is being mixed with all sorts of other drugs, some legal some not.
BILLINGS – “Drug cases involving fentanyl are increasing at the Montana state crime lab in Billings and chemists say it’s their job to make sure investigators know what kinds of drugs they’re working with.
And sometimes those pills contain some bizarre ingredients, things that even make the chemists themselves left with questions.
Many times, officials say, they see other street drugs, and in many instances drugs used by veterinarians to subdue very large animals.
So far in 2022, 20 percent of cases received into the lab contain fentanyl, according to Misty Icard, a chemistry supervisor with the forensic science division.
Icard says the lab will likely analyze close to 600 cases by the end of the year, compared to just 200 in 2021.
“It seems to be in a lot of different places that we didn’t use to see it,” said Forensic Chemist Josh Williams.
Watch here to learn from this important video clip. By: Andrea Lutz Billings Q2