10 Steps to Safety on Your Next Run-in with Fentanyl
How To Guide: Package Suspected Fentanyl
Due to increasing safety risks associated with drugs, including fentanyl and its analogues, most labs are now requesting that all narcotic evidence be safely packaged in the following manner.
Step 1
Before handling suspected fentanyl, its always advisable to double glove with nitrile gloves only. Remember, fentanyl is transdermal and can be absorbed through the skin or inhalation.
Step 2
Narcotics under 400 grams must be packaged in either a re-sealable baggie (Ziploc Style) or heat sealed plastic bag of appropriate size. Exception: Wet plant material. Plant material can mold in plastic.
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Step 3
DO NOT FIELD TEST!!
Leave the narcotics in the street packaging as seized. (Primary/street packaging can be baggies, bindles, patches, counterfeit prescription meds, kilos etc.) Place the primary package into your secondary packaging. Secondary packaging is your evidence Ziplock or heat sealed bags. Close and seal zipper on Ziplock or heat seal package and immediately strip your outer nitrile gloves and dispose in a manner consistent with contaminated narcotics. (Safety trash)
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Step 4
Place sealed secondary package into evidence envelope and seal opening . (Initials, date time)
Step 5
Indicate “FENTANYL” on outside of envelope with premade, highly visible colored sticker.
Step 6
Have Narcan in your intake and receiving areas at ALL times.
Step 7
In addition to the primary package, evidence suspected to be fentanyl (or a similar toxic substance) must be contained in at least two plastic bags.
Step 8
All large cases of 400 grams or more, including kilos, must be in plastic Ziplocs or heat seal bags prior to placing in a hard plastic containment can.
Step 9
If fentanyl or a similar toxic substance is suspected, it must be noted on the lab request form or entered into the automated lab request process or both.
Step 10
Upon completion of handling narcotics, (Fentanyl) DO NOT use hand sanitizer as it may expedite an exposure. Use soap and cold water whenever possible.
Resources: Chain of Custody, LLC, Behind the Barcode: Fall Edition - 9/2018 "Safety First: How To Properly Package Fentanyl"