PORTLAND, Ore. — Two teens died of suspected fentanyl doses, Portland police announced late Monday night.
On March 6, officers responded to a suspected overdose of a teenager who was in the possession of fentanyl pills commonly called "M30s." The following day, officers responded to another suspected overdose of a teen who had similar pills on them.
Portland Public Schools sent a letter to families on Monday confirming the teens were students within the district.
"These deaths are tragedies, and our heartfelt condolences go out to the families impacted," the district said.
The Portland Police Bureau's Narcotics and Organized Crime Unit is working with a number of local and federal agencies to investigate the source of the fentanyl pills in hopes of preventing another death. While it has not been confirmed that these deaths are overdoses, the medical examiner is working on a toxicology report which can take a number of days.
Police released a photo of the blue M30 pills asking if someone sees these pills, they should not handle them and instead call authorities immediately.
“The loss of the life of a child is beyond tragic, especially when it is suspected to be through something that is so preventable,” said acting Chief Mike Frome. “We will do everything we can to further this investigation, but we also need the community’s assistance in spreading the word that these illegal pills can kill. Even just one pill is lethal.”
Multnomah County has information on prevention, intervention and how to talk to your children about accidental overdoses. You can find that information here.
If you or someone you know is in crisis, you can call the Multnomah County Crisis Line at 503-988-4888. Call in crisis or just to talk, for yourself or to support someone you know. The line operates 24/7.
For teens or children who need support, you can call the Oregon Youthline at 877-968-8491. There is also a teen-to-teen crisis support line that teens can text by texting Teen2Teen to 839863.