The Hawaiʻi State Department of Health and the Honolulu Police Department warned residents Friday that a batch of fentanyl-laced cocaine circulating in Honolulu has been associated with several suspected overdoses earlier this week.
What happened
Police said officers responded to multiple early morning calls for suspected drug overdoses on Thursday, Aug. 20. State health officials subsequently posted details on social media identifying the link between the incidents and cocaine contaminated with fentanyl. The investigation into the events is ongoing, and authorities urged anyone with information about the distribution of illegal narcotics to contact the HPD Narcotics/Vice Division at 808-723-3933.
Officials urge caution and preparedness
Both the Department of Health and the Honolulu Police Department stressed that people should consider all illicit drugs and counterfeit medications potentially contaminated with fentanyl. Because fentanyl is an extremely potent synthetic opioid, even very small amounts can cause fatal overdoses and the substance cannot be reliably detected by sight, smell or appearance.
"Illegal drugs and counterfeit medications may contain fentanyl or other dangerous substances without a person's knowledge," HPD said in a statement. "Fentanyl is an extremely potent synthetic opioid that can cause a fatal overdose in very small amounts. Its presence cannot be reliably identified by sight, smell, or appearance, making the use of illegal narcotics, counterfeit medications, and other unknown substances especially dangerous."
Health officials reiterated standard overdose response guidance: call 911 immediately if you witness or experience an overdose, and administer naloxone (Narcan) if it is available. Naloxone can reverse an opioid overdose when given promptly.
- Naloxone availability: There are 77 locations statewide where naloxone is available.
- Fentanyl test strips: Offered for free through the Hawaiʻi Health and Harm Reduction Center at 808-521-2437.
- Behavioral health support: For those struggling with substance use, the 24-hour Hawaiʻi Cares line can be reached by calling or texting 988.
Local consequences and resources
The alert underscores a continuing trend of fentanyl-related harm in Hawaiʻi and nationwide. For Honolulu residents, the immediate concerns are preventing additional overdoses and directing people who use drugs, their families and bystanders to lifesaving resources.
Authorities encouraged residents to share information about suspicious drug activity with law enforcement to aid the ongoing investigation. Meanwhile, public health and harm-reduction groups point to practical steps individuals can take to reduce risk.
| Resource | Contact |
|---|---|
| HPD Narcotics/Vice Division (report tips) | 808-723-3933 |
| Hawaiʻi Health and Harm Reduction Center (test strips) | 808-521-2437 |
| Hawaiʻi Cares (24-hour support) | Call or text 988 |
Public-health outreach also emphasizes availability of naloxone across the state. Knowing where to obtain and how to administer naloxone can be the difference between life and death when an opioid overdose occurs. Those seeking locations that distribute naloxone were directed by officials to a state resource link cited in the Department of Health notice.
What residents should know
Key points officials want the public to remember:
- Assume illegal drugs or counterfeit medications may contain fentanyl.
- Fentanyl cannot be identified by appearance, smell, or taste.
- If you encounter a suspected overdose, call 911 and administer naloxone if available.
The Department of Health and Honolulu Police said they will release more information as the investigation continues. In the meantime, community organizations and health officials continue to provide harm-reduction services and information to help minimize further harm to residents across Oʻahu.
