FITZGERALD, Ga. — Five people, including three Fitzgerald police officers, were hospitalized Wednesday, Oct. 15 after fentanyl exposure in Ben Hill County, authorities said.

The officers were exposed simply by breathing the air while responding to two possible overdose calls, according to the Fitzgerald Police Department (FPD). The incident has prompted officials to warn the community about what they believe is a dangerous batch of illegal drugs circulating in the area.

FPD and the Ben Hill County Sheriff’s Office are urging anyone who has recently purchased crack, methamphetamine or other illegal drugs to dispose of them immediately. Officials said using these substances carries a deadly risk of fentanyl exposure.

The hospitalization of the three officers highlights the dangerous nature of fentanyl contamination, which can affect even those not directly using the substances. First responders face particular risks when responding to overdose calls involving fentanyl-laced drugs.

Anyone with information about the drugs is asked to call 911 or contact FPD directly.

WALB has reached out to FPD about the officers’ conditions and for further details about fentanyl exposure in the area. Stay with us for more.

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