Drug Test - Broomfield, CO

Broomfield, CO - Drug Testing

Substance Abuse Trends and Statistics for the City of Broomfield

Residents in the Broomfield area have recently been warned of a dangerous new drug on the streets. In May 2023, Boulder County officials warned of the increasing presence of xylazine, also known as "tranq," in the area's illicit drug supply. This veterinary tranquilizer can be mixed into powder or pills and is showing up in cocaine, fentanyl, heroin, methamphetamines, and other narcotics. It's not approved for human use and can cause symptoms such as drowsiness, memory loss, slowed breathing, and dangerously low blood pressure and heart rate. Since the drug is not an opioid, the use of Naloxone may not reverse the effects, potentially leading to a significant increase in overdose deaths.

This comes at a time when drug overdoses are already increasing in the area. According to the Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment (CDPHE), there was a 70% increase in fentanyl-related deaths between 2020 and 2021, with more than 900 overdose deaths occurring in Boulder County, which borders Broomfield, in 2021.

Local Initiatives to Curb Substance Abuse in Broomfield, CO

In response to the area's increasing opioid overdose problems, the City and County of Broomfield has begun providing residents Narcan at no cost through its Opioid Overdose Prevention Program. It's now easy to anonymously pick up the life-saving drug, which is used to reverse opioid overdoses. It's currently being distributed at the Broomfield Library (3 Community Park Rd, Broomfield) and at Broomfield Municipal Courts (17 Descombes Dr, Broomfield). Identification is not required, and it is distributed on a "no questions asked" basis.

Notable Events Related to Drug Use in Broomfield

Broomfield mother Kim Osterman has been fighting to keep the drug dealer who sold her 18-year-old son a fatal dose of fentanyl behind bars. After following numerous leads, including text messages, video surveillance, and more, police arrested a suspect who had multiple arrests and drug charges prior to Max Osterman's death. He was also arrested for a separate distribution charge during the investigation. However, no charges were filed related to Osterman's death and the suspect was given a plea deal with three years' probation.

Records show the man was arrested and given probation years before Osterman's death as well. "My son very well might be here today, if [the suspect] had been put away as he should have been," said Kim Osterman. The man has since been arrested on additional drug charges, has admitted to dealing fentanyl prior to his arrest, and is allegedly connected to four additional overdose deaths. Whether the man will remain behind bars remains unknown. "Time will tell," says Osterman.

Last updated 7/14/2023