The Tangipahoa Parish Sheriff’s Office issued a Public Safety Alert on Monday, warning about the growing presence of “green fentanyl” on the Northshore and in the greater New Orleans area.
“The emergence of this green fentanyl has been linked to a recent spike in opioid-related emergency calls on the Northshore,” the Tangipahoa Sheriff’s Office said in a news release.
Fentanyl is 50 times more potent than heroin. Authorities warn that a lethal dose for adults can be as low as two milligrams, the equivalent of two grains of salt.
The Tulane University Police Department has had no arrests or incidents involving green fentanyl, according to Tulane spokesperson Mike Strecker.
The Sheriff’s Office warns “green fentanyl” could have a sidewalk chalk-like appearance, or be gel or tar-like. The drug could be easily mistaken for cannabis or another less potent drug.
The news alert was issued in coordination with local and federal partner agencies in response to the drug’s recent seizure in investigations across the region. Authorities say the drug poses a significant and immediate threat to public health and safety.
Opioid-related overdose deaths in New Orleans dropped to 293 in 2024, down from a record 592 the year prior. Fentanyl was detected in 71% of those deaths, according to the Orleans Parish Coroner’s Office.
Classic signs of an opioid overdose include a lack of consciousness, reduced, irregular or absent respirations and pinpoint pupils.
The Sheriff’s Office urged anyone who witnesses signs of an opioid overdose to call 911 and administer naloxone, an opioid antagonist drug, if available. TUPD officers and Tulane Emergency Medical Services also carry naloxone, also known as Narcan.
Narcan is also available for purchase from most pharmacies without a prescription.