Dräger is dedicated to empowering law enforcement with advanced tools to combat the fentanyl crisis. In response to the urgent needs of the law enforcement community, we are developing a groundbreaking fentanyl detection capability for the Dräger DrugTest 5000. This feature integrates seamlessly with the existing DrugTest 5000 system, leveraging a new fentanyl-detecting test cassette. It will allow officers to accurately detect fentanyl in oral fluid and surface samples while still measuring other drugs of abuse using the same trusted device.

At Dräger, we are at the forefront of developing and deploying advanced technology to address the urgent challenges posed by fentanyl. 

Here’s how we’re supporting law enforcement in this critical fight:

The availability of fentanyl has skyrocketed, leading to a public health crisis of unprecedented scale. Fentanyl has rapidly infiltrated our neighborhoods, turning what was once a distant problem into a crisis that hits close to home. This powerful synthetic opioid is not just a statistic; it’s affecting families, friends, and entire communities. According to the CDC, synthetic opioids, primarily fentanyl, accounted for over 70,000 deaths in 2021 alone, with the trend continuing to rise. This increase is reflected in the volume of fentanyl being seized by authorities, with a 6,000% increase in seizures reported between 2013 and 2019. Fentanyl is now a major component of the opioid crisis, often mixed with heroin or cocaine, exacerbating its deadly potential.

In the United States, fentanyl has rapidly emerged as one of the most dangerous substances in the ongoing fight against drug abuse. This potent synthetic opioid is now involved in more than 60% of drug-related deaths across the United States. The situation is made even more perilous by the fact that in 2023, the DEA reported that 80% of fentanyl seizures involved counterfeit pills designed to look like legitimate prescription medications, putting countless unsuspecting individuals at risk. Given that fentanyl is 50 times more potent than heroin and 100 times more potent than morphine, the ability to detect this substance quickly and accurately is essential for law enforcement. 

In 2023 alone, the DEA seized over 80 million fentanyl-laced pills and 12,000 pounds of fentanyl powder. This surge in fentanyl availability corresponds with a sharp rise in overdose deaths, highlighting the urgent need for effective detection and prevention measures.

Fentanyl is responsible for a staggering increase in overdose deaths. According to the CDC, between 2013 and 2019, the number of synthetic opioid-related deaths, primarily involving fentanyl, increased by more than 1,000%. In 2022, fentanyl was involved in approximately 80% of all overdose deaths. These statistics highlight the lethal nature of fentanyl, which can kill with as little as 2 milligrams—a quantity so small it can fit on the tip of a pencil. This is a stark reminder of its extreme potency—just a few grains of fentanyl can be deadly. 

Fentanyl's potency is so high that the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) considers it a chemical weapon due to its potential as an incapacitating agent. The increasing presence of fentanyl in various illegal drugs has made it a significant threat, not only as a public health issue but also as a critical public safety matter. Law enforcement officers must be equipped to handle this dangerous substance to protect themselves and their communities.

Why Fentanyl is a Top Concern:

• Extremely Potent: Even a tiny amount can be deadly, leading to overdose or incapacitation.
• High Risk: Fentanyl is increasingly found in other drugs, often without the user’s knowledge, contributing to a rise in drug-related deaths.
• Public Safety Hazard: Beyond overdoses, fentanyl is now a growing concern in impaired driving cases, making it crucial for law enforcement to have tools for detection. 

Impaired driving due to drug use is more than just a growing concern—it’s a heartbreaking reality that affects countless lives, with fentanyl now playing an increasingly dangerous role. In 2022, fentanyl was found in 14% of impaired driving cases, a troubling rise from just 4% in 2018. This sharp increase highlights the urgent need for law enforcement to have the right tools to detect fentanyl in impaired drivers, helping to prevent tragedies on our roads and protect our communities. 

Every life lost to an impaired driver is a preventable tragedy, and by equipping law enforcement with reliable detection tools, we can take crucial steps toward deterring and ultimately eliminating the threat these dangerous drivers pose to our loved ones and society as a whole.

Fentanyl isn’t just a public health crisis—it’s a growing public safety issue that reaches into our neighborhoods and onto our roads. As this potent drug is increasingly mixed with other substances like heroin or cocaine, it’s becoming an even more lethal threat in impaired driving incidents.  

Oral fluid testing has long been a valuable tool in law enforcement operations, offering a powerful and efficient method for detecting drugs in the field. 

This noninvasive approach provides a quick and reliable way to identify drug-impaired drivers and other offenders, significantly enhancing public safety. 

The roadside screening aspect, for example, utilizes validated oral fluid drug screening devices that law enforcement can administer during DUI stops, checkpoints, or crash investigations, to name a few. This initial screening is crucial in assisting law enforcement to obtain search warrants for further testing, such as blood or additional oral fluid samples, helping to ensure that the investigation is thorough, and evidence is collected correctly. 

Implementing an oral fluid testing program requires close collaboration with stakeholders, including laboratory personnel, to ensure that testing protocols are reliable and legally defensible. One key figure in this effort is Dr. Curt Harper, Chief Toxicologist at the Alabama Department of Forensic Sciences (ADFS). Under Dr. Harper's leadership, the ADFS has successfully established a comprehensive Oral Fluid Drug Testing Program, which has become a model for other states. His expertise in toxicology and commitment to advancing forensic science have been instrumental in the program's development and implementation.

Proper training for law enforcement officers on collecting, maintaining, and documenting samples is also critical to the success of an oral fluid testing program. Dr. Harper's insights and guidance have been vital in ensuring that these protocols are robust and effective, helping to maintain the integrity of the testing process and the evidence it produces.

For more detailed information on developing and implementing an oral fluid testing program, law enforcement agencies can refer to the following resources for more information:

Dräger recognizes that effective use of modern technology requires comprehensive training and support. That’s why we offer tailored training programs for law enforcement agencies integrating the DrugTest 5000 into their operations. Our programs can include hands-on training sessions, virtual learning, and ongoing technical support to ensure your team is fully prepared to use this advanced technology with confidence.

By partnering with Dräger, law enforcement agencies gain access to our extensive network of experts and resources, offering a seamless implementation and continued success in the fight against fentanyl.

Law enforcement agencies, don’t miss the chance to be among the first to access Dräger's fentanyl detection technology. By signing up, you’ll receive exclusive updates on the official launch date, special offers, and comprehensive training opportunities designed specifically for law enforcement professionals. Stay informed about the latest developments with Dräger and ensure your team is fully equipped to tackle the growing fentanyl crisis with the most advanced detection tools. Sign up now to secure your spot and be prepared for the official launch.