New Mexico Police Identify Fentanyl and Methamphetamine in Overdose Incident

New Mexico authorities on Friday identified the substance that sickened first responders who responded to a home in Mountainair where three people died. Officials said four people were found unresponsive at the residence. Two were pronounced dead at the scene, a third died later at the University of New Mexico Hospital, and a fourth survived.

Broom said preliminary findings tied the incident to a powdered opioid substance. On-scene DEA laboratory analysis confirmed the presence of fentanyl, methamphetamine, and para-fluorofentanyl, also called P4 fentanyl. ” Authorities said the drugs were recovered in powder form.

Officials said 25 people were exposed to the substance. Twenty were hospitalized for treatment and later released. Two individuals remained hospitalized in serious condition. Authorities identified two of the deceased as Micah Rascon, 51, and Georgia Rascon, 49. Both the survivor and one of the deceased received Narcan.

First responders reported symptoms including nausea and dizziness. Torrance County Fire Chief Gary Smith said firefighters did not enter wearing hazmat protection because the situation did not initially appear to require it. Smith said officials would review response procedures. Multiple debriefings are scheduled over the next week or two. The incident remains under investigation.