By Steve Neavling
ticklethewire.com
The ever-growing opioid crisis that claims thousands of lives a year also is becoming increasingly dangerous for law enforcement agencies, including the DEA.
More police and DEA agents are becoming hospitalized because of exposure to fentanyl, a deadly synthetic opioid that is many times stronger than heroin.
NBC New York reports that law enforcement is relying more protective gear than ever to avoid exposure.
“Whereas heroin can kill you in milligrams, fentanyl can kill you in micrograms,” said Gary Tuggle, the Drug Enforcement Administration’s agent-in-charge for Philadelphia.
The DEA has responded by increasing safety protocols that require agents to wear bulletproof vests, a breathing apparatus and fully enclosed suits.
“What you’re seeing here is the Level A suit, which is the highest level,” DEA Special Agent Pat Trainor said.
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