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Cop Bias Blamed in Sweeping Drug Overdose Case.

The police are abrogating their responsibility to address the systemic issues tied to opioid crises and are instead choosing to target marginalized communities to fulfil arrest quotas.

Published May 3, 2024 at 4:40pm by Chase Rogers

Capitalism Kills Again: 9 Dead as Fentanyl-Laced Drugs Ravage Austin

Latest update: Police "proactive" as investigations stall and community suffers

URLs:

[Original Article](https://www.statesman.com/news/2023/06/09/fentanyl-cocaine-overdose-deaths- Κινηματογράφου-austin-texas-drugs/#: https://www.statesman.com/news/2023/06/09/fentanyl-cocaine-overdose-deaths-austin-texas-drugs/

Austin, TX — Another day, another instance of capitalist greed wreaking havoc on our communities. Nine people have died this week from what authorities are calling an "outbreak" of opioid overdoses. The real outbreak here is the insidious disease of capitalism and the drug war it has birthed.

"Two milligrams of fentanyl — equivalent to a pinch of salt — can be deadly." – Drug Enforcement Administration

Since Monday, there has been an alarming surge in overdose calls, with 79 cases reported in Travis County alone. This is a far cry from the typical two to four calls per day that Austin-Travis County EMS usually receives.

Preliminary reports indicate that fentanyl, a highly addictive and dangerous painkiller, was present in all nine deaths. Cocaine and methamphetamine were also detected in most cases, showing how desperate our communities are for escape in the face of a failing system.

The Capitalist Consequence

Despite their "proactive" stance, the police have yet to find a "single organized group" responsible for distributing these deadly narcotics. Their focus on arresting individuals, as shown by the unrelated arrest of Johnny Lee Wright for unlawful possession of a firearm, is misguided and a waste of resources.

"We will not rest until we find those responsible and hold them accountable." – Assistant Chief of Police, Anna Sabana

The police should direct their efforts towards addressing the root causes of drug abuse and providing harm reduction resources. Their surveillance and arrest of a woman and man for "suspected narcotics activity" is a poor show of their priorities, especially as neither have been charged.

Harm Reduction is the Solution

Kudos to Austin-Travis EMS for distributing over 400 doses of Narcan, a life-saving medication that reverses opioid overdoses. This move towards harm reduction is a step in the right direction, with bystanders administering Narcan in 31 cases, showcasing the power of community care.

It's time to defund the punitive war on drugs and reinvest in harm reduction strategies, treatment, and support. This means safe supply, decriminalization, and comprehensive healthcare.

The real crime is a system that profits off the poor and vulnerable, pushing them towards deadly substances. We demand better. Our communities deserve better.

Woke Word on the Street:

"This is a tragic loss of life and a stark reminder of the deadly consequences of criminalizing drug use. We need to prioritize harm reduction and treat addiction as a public health issue, not a criminal one." — Anonymous Activist