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Drug residue could be dangerous

The public should be careful of what they touch. As the opioid drug epidemic grows, Marietta police are warning of a possible hidden danger that could be lurking in public places such as restrooms, hotel rooms, even rental cars.

Officer Chuck McPhilamy tells WSB, "What happens to the average hotel worker that's at any hotel in the city cleaning a room that happened across some residue?"

Anyone who comes in contact with drug residue could be at risk.

McPhilamy says drugs laced with Fentanyl can be absorbed simply by touching it. He says "That changes the game," and "changes our concern level."

McPhilamy says, "It can be inhaled through your nose or your mouth, it can be absorbed through your skin or your eyes."

A concern is the average person may have no idea what the drugs look like.

McPhilamy says, "Fentanyl itself can come in so many different forms it's not like I can tell you just look for one substance."

There have been no reports of this happening in Georgia.

McPhilamy says he doesn't want to cause a panic, but he wants people to be aware. Even if a person is not a drug addict, they may come across people who use or sell these potentially dangerous drugs.

He says, "I think we're talking about two different cultures intersecting."

If anyone sees something that looks suspicious, police say call 9-1-1, and if one should start feeling ill, get medical attention immediately.

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