24-04-2025
GJPD issues warning on new deadly drug
GRAND JUNCTION, Colo. (KREX) — In March alone, Mesa County saw four deaths suspected to be from fentanyl. Now, the Grand Junction Police Department (GJPD) is warning residents of a new drug on the streets that could be deadly,
Related to fentanyl, carfentanil is now on the streets of Grand Junction.
'Carfentanilis approximately 100 times stronger than fentanyl,' says patrol officer for GJPD Chad Simpson.
Fentanyl is prescribed by doctors to help those with severe pain. Carfentanil is not approved for human consumption and was originally developed as a tranquilizer for large animals like elephants.
Simpson recently finished working with the GJPD Drug Task Force. Simpson states the drug is becoming more common due to several reasons, one of which is how easy it is to smuggle.
'One of the main reasons is because it takes such a small amount of the drug to be a usable dose.'
WesternSlopeNow asked Simpson where the drug was coming from and how it made its way into the Grand Valley. Simpson said that as recently as 2023, a drug trafficking organization was investigated that had direct ties to the Sinaloa cartel in Mexico.
Simpson says none of this work would be possible without community input.
'There is a number of techniques used to investigate drug traffickers. The main one being our relationship with the community. Often times, the community is very open with us in providing us tips and reliable information of their knowledge (in) reference to drug traffickers in the area.'
An organization bringing awareness to these drugs is Facing Fentanyl, a trademarked subsidiary of Voices for Awareness foundation based here in Grand Junction.
WesternSlopeNow will have more on the organization's efforts later this week.
GJPD wants to remind residents that if they see something, say something. If you know about somebody engaged in trafficking drugs, contact the GJPD at 970-549-5000.
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