For Immediate Release
| PR #: | 2000016 |
| Date Issued: | Feb 04, 2020 - 4:23pm |
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Sheriff's Office and DEA call for increased public awareness about the dangers of drugs |
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| CONTACT: | Bob Harmon Washoe County Sheriff's Office Office 775-785-6235 Cell 775-722-5517 |
Following the report of the deaths of two high school students in south Reno, the Washoe County Sheriff's Office and the Reno Office of the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) are asking the public to help raise awareness about the dangers of ingesting drugs that come from anywhere other than a professional pharmacy based on a prescription from a licensed practitioner.
The deaths are currently being investigated by the Washoe County Regional Medical Examiner's Office and drugs have been identified as a possible factor.
"I am asking for parents to have a serious conversation with their children," Sheriff Balaam said. "As a community, we must ensure that our children understand the horrendous potential for tragedy which may result from experimenting with drugs, even when the drugs come from someone a child knows."
Unfortunately, recent technological advances have allowed illegitimate drug makers to produce very credible looking products. The result is that individuals can end up ingesting synthetic opioids such as fentanyl or other chemicals which can cause serious harm, or death.
"This is a life-or-death message," Sheriff Balaam added. "We absolutely must take responsibility for trying to prevent any future tragedies by talking with our children, impressing upon them the dangers associated with drugs, and the crucial importance of making the choice to leave drugs alone."
For more information about drug abuse, prevention, and counseling, visit Join Together Northern Nevada at http://jtnn.org/.
The Washoe County Sheriff's Office is dedicated to preserving a safe and secure community with professionalism, respect, integrity and the highest commitment to equality. Sheriff Darin Balaam is the 27th person elected to serve as the Sheriff of Washoe County since the Office was created in 1861. The Washoe County Sheriff's Office strives to ensure public safety by building trust and creating partnerships within the diverse communities in which we serve. We will promote the dignity of all people supported by our words and actions through open communication while fostering an environment of professionalism, integrity and mutual respect.