Bellevue police arm themselves with Narcan to combat rise in overdoses

Heroin and fentanyl are becoming a bigger problem in Bellevue, and now police are arming themselves with the opioid overdose antidote, Naloxone, also known as Narcan.

Assistant Police Chief Patrick Arpin said officers in Bellevue deal with people using opioids everyday.

“We’re contacting people who are using narcotics and opioids primarily within their cars in parking lots, we’re dealing with people with homeless issues who have narcotic issues," Arpin said. "We’ve seen a few more opioid-related deaths this year.”

Ten people have died in Bellevue from drug overdoses (excluding suicide) so far this year, up from six people a few years ago.

Arpin said he also wants police to be able to protect themselves if they accidentally come in contact with fentanyl—an extremely powerful opioid.

The general public can also help stop overdoses with Narcan. The medication is available at many pharmacies, and you don’t need a prescription.

This is a transcript of an audio story that aired on KUOW.