From the cover
County's new unit proactively fights narcotics cases
What’s happening?
Overdose mortality rates The death toll from all drug overdoses in Tarrant County has seen a significant rise since 2019. Data for 2021 and 2022 is preliminary.
A closer look drug overdoses were reported in Tarrant County in 2023 as of Nov. 20, mainly from fentanyl. 2,500
people in Tarrant County have died from overdoses in 2023 as of Nov. 20. 300+
The new narcotics unit is staffed with three experienced prosecutors who will “diligently pursue drug cases and work closely with law enforcement agencies,” a news release stated. House Bill 6 passed in 2023 and allows prosecutors to file a murder charge for anyone involved in distributing fentanyl to a person who dies from exposure to the drug. Assistant District Attorney Michael Ferry, one of the members of the Narcotics Unit, said he’s seen firsthand the impact of dangerous drugs. “Especially [during the holidays], it’s very difficult for the families who have lost a loved one,” he said. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention states pharmaceutical fentanyl is a synthetic opioid that may be prescribed for pain treatment. “We are going to get the people who sell this poison off the streets,” Sorrells said in a statement. “Fentanyl is addictive and deadly.”
2018
2019
2020 2021
2022
20
15
10
5
+50%
+38.46%
+80%
+112.5%
0
Collin
Dallas
Denton
Tarrant
SOURCES: FORT WORTH POLICE DEPARTMENT, TARRANT COUNTY MEDICAL EXAMINER, TEXAS VITAL STATISTICS/COMMUNITY IMPACT
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