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COMMUNITY NOTICE: WVU Police urge caution after off-campus drug incident

Community Notice

Out of an abundance of caution, West Virginia University Police are alerting members of the University community about the potential for illegal pills containing fentanyl that may be circulating in the Morgantown area.

The precautionary warning follows a recent off-campus incident where one person was arrested after members of the Mon Metro Drug Task Force discovered in excess of 3,000 pills labeled Xanax. Preliminary testing revealed the pills, which were confiscated, contained fentanyl.

To be safe, members of the community are advised to avoid substances that have not been obtained lawfully and contact UPD if they believe they’ve seen any counterfeit pills.

Similar warnings have been issued recently on other college campuses.

WVU is committed to providing a safe campus for the protection of the University community. The following safety tips are designed to help enhance the safety of the University community.

  • Remember, one pill can kill. For information about the Drug Enforcement Administration’s campaign, One Pill Can Kill, visit: https://www.dea.gov/onepill; https://www.dea.gov/dea-one-pill-can-kill-social-media-campaign

  • Do not consume substances that could be counterfeit as such pills are made to look like prescription opioids.

  • If you think you or someone else has overdosed, immediately call 911. Every minute counts. Do not delay. 

  • Under the University’s Student Code of Conduct and the laws of West Virginia, bystanders and those affected by drug or alcohol overdose may be safe from prosecution and may not face charges under the campus student Code of Conduct if they seek medical assistance in an emergency and certain conditions are met. Specifically, if you or someone you know is experiencing an overdose:

    • Call 911 immediately to report what’s happening.

    • Identify yourself if requested by any medical personnel, University officials or law-enforcement officers.

    • Remain where you are (with the individual) if it is safe.

    • Cooperate with medical personnel, University officials or law-enforcement officers — and provide any information they request to help the person in distress.

  • Download the LiveSafe app

West Virginia University Resources: 

·       WVU Police Department – 911 | (304)-293-2677 | (304)-293-3136

·       WVU CARE Team

·       WVU Carruth Center – (304)-293-4431

·       WVU Division of Diversity, Equity and Inclusion – (304)-293-5600

·       WVU Office of Student Rights and Responsibilities – (304)-293-8111

·       WVU Faculty-Staff Assistance Program – (304)-293-5590

·       WVU Rape and Domestic Violence Information Center – (304)-292-5100

·       WVU Office of Campus and Community Life – (304)-293-5611

·       WVU Student Health Service – (304)-285-7200

·       WVU Division of Student Life – (304)-293-5811

Learn more about WVU’s three-tiered emergency notification system.

Health, safety, preparedness and training resources are posted at safety.wvu.edu and also available at police.wvu.edu.

Students and employees are encouraged to follow the WVU Safety and Wellness Facebook page and @WVUsafety on Twitter.