SAN DIEGO (KGTV) — Six San Diego inmates had to be treated with an overdose drug this month after deputies say they were showing signs of a fentanyl overdose.
The San Diego Sheriff's Department (SDSO) said the overdoses happened just after 4 p.m. on Dec. 4 at San Diego Central Jail. The six inmates were given various doses of the drug Naloxone to reverse the effects of their overdoses.
All inmates regained alertness and were taken to a nearby hospital for care.
Deputies searched the cells of the affected inmates and discovered pills possibly laced with fentanyl, according to SDSO.
The department says it's taking several approaches to stop drugs from entering jails, including x-ray body scanners, screening of visitors who may be smuggling drugs into jails, and overdose awareness and contraband detection techniques.
SDSO says that about 70% to 80% of people entering their custody are using drugs at the time of arrest or have committed a crime during drug use.
