Fentanyl Found at Missouri Jail; 3 Jailers Hospitalized

Authorities say three southwest Missouri jailers have been taken to a hospital and a white powdery substance that was found at the jail has tested positive for fentanyl.

The Sikeston Standard-Democrat reports that the three jailers were taken to a hospital and later released. Scott County Sheriff Wes Drury says the jail has resumed normal operations after a hazmat crews were called to the facility. The fentanyl was found during the investigation. Fentanyl — considered much more powerful than heroin — has been linked to thousands of overdose deaths nationwide.

The sheriff’s office says the substance was contained to a small, isolated area in the jail. The substance has been removed and the area decontaminated. The sheriff’s office says no inmates were affected.