The Calexico Police Department is urging the public to be aware of an alarming increase in fentanyl overdoses in the community.

According to a press release from the department, over the past few weeks there has been a troubling surge in the number of overdoses in the border city with the majority of cases involving suspected narcotic users. In response, the Calexico Police and Fire Departments have been actively engaged in efforts to address the problem. First responders have been trained to administer Naloxone, a life-saving medication that can reverse the effects of opioid overdoses. Calexico Police officers have so far assisted in administering Naloxone to a half dozen suspected overdose victims. The department is reminding citizens that fentanyl is deadly, and that the public should remain vigilant to combat the spread of this dangerous narcotic.