COLLIER COUNTY, Fla. — The Collier County Sheriff’s Office (CCSO) has announced the “Laced & Lethal” program, a county-wide initiative focused on cutting down on fentanyl.

CCSO has partnered with local nonprofits, the David Lawrence Center and Collier County Public Schools to improve education and prevent death. 

“I believe fentanyl is the biggest drug threat I’ve seen in the last 44 years,” said Sheriff Kevin Rambosk. 

Fifteen people have been arrested for fentanyl trafficking in 2023 (including 7 convicted felons), an increase from previous years, according to the sheriff’s office. 

Nationally, the Center for Disease Control & Prevention estimates that 107,000+ people die from Fentanyl-related overdoses every year. 

“We believe there’s an effort in place to try and get people hooked on whatever drug they’re selling,” Sheriff Rambosk added, highlighting the danger of “cut” opiates that may contain highly addictive fentanyl. 

The sheriff’s office program has multiple facets. 

Collier County Public Schools’ employees will receive drug and overdose training, and Narcan will be provided to each campus alongside their AED machines. 

“This is a problem, and education is the only way to prevent this. By educating the whole public, maybe we can prevent some death,” said Dr. Leslie Ricciardelli, the superintendent of Collier County Public Schools.  

Law enforcement personnel will receive protective equipment and be trained in response. 

“Two grains of salt will overdose you with fentanyl. You will not get that from cocaine; it’ll take much more, as well as other drugs,” said Sheriff Rambosk. 

The David Lawrence Center will be available for support and treatment to those already in active addiction. 

“Individuals need to recognize how dangerous this is. Fentanyl is a game changer in a negative way. It is highly lethal. It’s nothing to mess with. If someone is struggling, we know we need to get them in immediately. We need them to understand the urgency of getting that support,” added Scott Burgess, with the David Lawrence Center. 

The cost of the program is estimated to be around $300,000. The Collier County Sheriff’s Office said that the majority of the program, outside of the law enforcement portion, will be covered by local donors. 

The sheriff’s office will address prevention strategies next week.