Drug Test - Fort Smith, AR

Fort Smith, Arkansas - Drug Testing

Substance abuse statistics for Fort Smith, AR

Fort Smith, Arkansas: Drug abuse trends

Fort Smith Emergency Medical Services Director Tim Hearn stated that paramedics responded to fifty overdose calls per month on average from May to July 2020. This was a 40 to 60 percent increase compared to the previous year. The Arkansas Drug Director's office also reported a 130 percent increase in naloxone administrations used in opioid overdose emergencies.

Another challenge that Fort Smith faced was the waitlist for getting treatment in Harbor House had almost doubled, so people seeking help for substance abuse often experienced dangerous wait times. During this time, the price of methamphetamine—one of the area's most common drugs of choice—also dropped. In 2019, drug dealers and drug traffickers increased the availability of meth in the region, increasing opioid prescription rates. An increase in methamphetamine abuse combined with a decrease in treatment services resulted in life-threatening conditions for some people. The Fort Smith Narcotic Unit is working to raise awareness with the general public to identify suspicious drug activity, such as signs of a possible meth lab. Fort Smith Police Department lists a confidential number to report suspicious drug activity on their site.

Police charged Fort Smith woman with drug trafficking

A Fort Smith woman was sentenced to more than fifteen years in prison, followed by four years of supervised release after she planned to distribute methamphetamine. The 48-year-old woman was thought to be harboring a state fugitive and be in possession of controlled substances.

When authorities searched her vehicle, they found a golf ball-sized bag filled with pills suspected to contain fentanyl, heroin, marijuana, and over seven thousand dollars. They also found a safe in the car, which contained methamphetamine, unmarked pills, assorted pills, a pill press, syringes, and drug paraphernalia.

An officer involved in the search was exposed to fentanyl and lost consciousness on the scene. He was administered naloxone and made a full recovery at the hospital.

Last updated 1/2/2023