Six Inmates Overdose on Suspected Fentanyl

Six inmates at the Kootenai County Jail required hospitalization following suspected fentanyl overdoses on Saturday evening. Jail staff administered Narcan after the first two inmates displayed overdose symptoms, quickly followed by four others. Emergency medical services responded to the scene and transported all six to Kootenai Health hospital, where they received treatment before being returned to the facility.

Authorities are investigating the source of the fentanyl, with jail officials suspecting it was mailed into the facility. This marks a rare and serious incident for the jail, which has recently seen an increase in drug-related cases. One inmate, Raymond Spezzi, was arrested for possession of a controlled substance inside the correctional facility as part of the ongoing investigation.

The Kootenai County Sheriff's Office is awaiting a specialized mail scanner to enhance drug interdiction efforts. Trace amounts of fentanyl were discovered during a jail search. Officials emphasize that drugs are often used as currency within correctional facilities, and possession of any drug is a felony. Further arrests are anticipated as the investigation progresses.