GUADALUPE COUNTY, Texas — Guadalupe County is on high alert. According to the Guadalupe County Sheriff's Office, in four days there have been three deaths. Investigators believe they are possible fentanyl overdoses.
An investigator said one of the victims is a 17-year-old boy.
Lieutenant John Flores with the Narcotics Task Force said the first call came in on July 3.
"Starting July 3, we got the first call for a 17-year-old that had passed away," Flores said. "At the second, I am like 'This is a little weird. It is not common.' And then the third call, it was alarming."
Flores said the other two death calls came in only July 7. He said those victims are 30, and 51 years of age.
"It is pretty rare for Guadalupe County to have three back-to-back," he said. "What we have seen is evidence of fentanyl pills, powder and other unknown substances at all three locations."
Investigators don't believe the deaths are connected.
"We are seeing a lot of these pills that are stamped M-30 pills," he said. "The problem with young people and taking pills, it is not like drinking alcohol where you have to drink six beers to get drunk. You take one pill and it gives you that euphoric feeling that they are looking for. The problem is that pill they pay $10-$15 for will kill them if it is laced with fentanyl."
Flores along with Sheriff Arnold Zwicke, are asking families to be more vigilant and be aware of what is happening inside of their homes.
"We just want to send a message that we care," Flores said. "We are working these to the best of our ability."
He added the feds are helping in these three cases. An autopsy and toxicology still need to be completed, which can take months. Flores asks if anyone knows anything to contact the Guadalupe County Crime Stoppers, you can remain anonymous. The TIP LINE is 1-877-403-TIPS.
For context, Guadalupe County reports in 2023 they had 33 total overdoses, eight were fatal. As for 2024, so far, they have had six overdoses, four of them fatal.
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