Beckley, West Virginia – Authorities in Beckley are investigating a concerning discovery after a vial of prescription fentanyl was reportedly found in a child’s trick-or-treat basket on Halloween night.
According to the Beckley Police Department, the vial’s origin has been traced to a local medical facility, which is now cooperating with investigators.
Fentanyl Vial Discovery Shocks Community
The alarming discovery was first reported by a local parent who noticed the suspicious vial among their child’s Halloween candy. Police quickly responded, collecting the vial and launching a full investigation to determine how it ended up in a child’s basket.
In a press release issued by the Beckley Police Department, officials confirmed that the vial contained a liquid labeled as fentanyl, a powerful synthetic opioid often used for pain management in medical settings but potentially deadly in very small doses.
Traced to Local Medical Facility
After a detailed review, investigators were able to trace the vial’s origin to a local medical facility. Police said the facility is working closely with law enforcement to determine whether the vial was lost, discarded, or stolen before ending up in the Halloween basket.
The name of the facility has not been released to the public due to the ongoing investigation, as per WBOY. Officials emphasized that at this stage, no criminal intent or malicious activity has been confirmed.
Testing Underway at Accredited Laboratory
According to the department, law enforcement officers do not have the equipment necessary to field test liquid substances, including fentanyl. Therefore, the vial has been sent to an accredited state or federal laboratory for further analysis.
The results of the lab testing will help confirm the substance’s authenticity and concentration and could provide clues as to how the vial made its way out of a controlled facility.
No Indications of Intentional Harm
While the discovery raised significant alarm among parents, police have so far found no evidence suggesting the incident was intentional or part of a targeted attempt to harm the public.
The police department encouraged the public to report any suspicious items or unusual findings to law enforcement immediately.
Ongoing Investigation
As the investigation continues, authorities have stated they will not release additional details until testing results are available. The Beckley Police Department has confirmed that the incident remains under active investigation and reassured residents that there is no current danger to the public.
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