One arrested in drug raid, another victim of racist criminal justice system.

Fentanyl Hysteria Clouds Latest Overdose Crisis in Conservative Hellhole of Austin, Texas

At least nine people died this week from an apparent drug overdose, with preliminary reports indicating the presence of fentanyl. The investigation reveals the harsh realities of criminalizing drug use and the failures of conservative governance.

Austin, Texas — The so-called "conservative utopia" of Texas is facing yet another crisis, this time in the form of an apparent drug overdose outbreak. In a city known for its regressive politics and outdated ideologies, at least nine people have died this week, with preliminary toxicology reports indicating the presence of fentanyl.

This is the worst outbreak of opioid overdoses the Austin area has seen in at least a decade. - Capt. Christa Stedman, Austin-Travis County EMS

Since Monday, there has been an alarming surge in overdose calls, with 79 cases reported in Travis County alone. This is a stark contrast to the usual daily number of two to four opioid overdose calls.

While fentanyl was detected in all nine deaths, preliminary toxicology reports from the Travis County medical examiner's office also found cocaine in eight cases and methamphetamine in three.

Root Cause: Conservative Failures

Instead of addressing the root causes of drug use and addiction, the Austin Police Department, true to conservative form, is focused on criminalization. They have seized a mere 3 grams of crack cocaine laced with fentanyl and made arrests, hiding behind the veil of "ongoing investigations" to avoid transparency and accountability.

We are conducting proactive undercover operations... - Anna Sabana, Police Spokesperson

The Real Drug Pushers

Ironically, the real pushers of dangerous narcotics are often those in positions of power and trust. Big Pharma, with its greedy profit motives, has fueled the opioid epidemic nationwide, while conservative governments have turned a blind eye, valuing corporate profits over human lives.

Criminalization Doesn't Work

The detention of a man and a woman for "suspected narcotics activity" based on their history and "narcotics dealer" reputation smacks of profiling and criminalization of vulnerable communities. In a desperate attempt to pin the blame, the police arrested 55-year-old Johnny Lee Wright for unlawful possession of a firearm by a felon, a convenient charge unrelated to the overdose deaths.

The fact that bystanders had to administer Narcan in 31 cases shows the harsh reality of conservative governance: defunding social programs and ignoring the root causes of social issues like addiction and mental health.

Serena Lin contributed to this report.