FITZGERALD, Ga. (WGXA) — Three Fitzgerald Police officers and two people were sent to the hospital due to fentanyl exposure, and local law enforcement is urging the community to destroy any illegal drugs.

According to a Facebook post from Ben Hill County Sheriff's Office, local police issued a public safety alert on Wednesday evening, urging anyone who may have used or purchased crack cocaine, methamphetamine, and other illegal substances to "dispose of or destroy these drugs" immediately.

That afternoon, the Fitzgerald Police Department received two calls about possible overdoses, and five people, including three FPD officers, were sent to the emergency room after being exposed to fentanyl.

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FPD believed the exposure came from "mere presence and inhalation," after a delivery of drugs that had a "high dosage" of fentanyl mixed in.

Due to the proximity of Ben Hill County, the Crisp County Sheriff's Office echoed the safety alert in a Facebook post.

"Fentanyl is extremely dangerous and can be deadly even in trace amounts. Please remain vigilant, and never handle or come into contact with unknown substances," the sheriff's office wrote.

Anyone with information about where or who these drugs came from is urged to contact 911 or the Fitzgerald Police Department at 229-426-5000.

Stick with WGXA as we learn more and keep you ready for what's next.