Las Cruces, Doña Ana County See Overdose Spike With Two Deaths

Authorities in Las Cruces and Doña Ana County, New Mexico, have issued an alert following a sharp increase in drug overdoses, including seven cases since Sunday with two fatalities involving young men in their 20s and 30s. So far in August 2025, 21 overdoses have been reported in the area with five deaths, most concentrated in Las Cruces. Officials suspect fentanyl as the primary drug involved but have also raised concerns about carfentanil, a synthetic opioid much stronger than fentanyl and morphine, which has recently appeared in the local drug supply. Despite Narcan administration, the two recent fatal overdoses could not be reversed, suggesting the involvement of highly potent opioids like carfentanil. Authorities warn the public against using or handling illegal drugs due to the extreme risk posed by these substances. The High Intensity Drug Trafficking Area program continues to support efforts to combat the influx of these dangerous drugs.