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4 Wilmington Police Officers Treated For Fentanyl Exposure

WILMINGTON (CBS) – Four Wilmington Police officers were rushed to the hospital after they were exposed to fentanyl Thursday afternoon.

The deadly opioid became airborne while officers were booking 31-year-old John Moses of Reading at the Wilmington Public Safety Building.

"There was a search conducted and during that search the officers encountered an open plastic bag which had some sort of residue in it that went airborne," said Wilmington Police Chief Joe Desmond.

Wilmington hazmat
Hazmat team inside Wilmington Public Safety building after fentanyl exposure (WBZ-TV)

Investigators say those arresting officers suddenly felt sick - they became sweaty and felt as if their hearts were racing.

"It was confirmed to be fentanyl which obviously is a problem that we've been dealing with quite frequently," Chief Desmond said.

The officers were taken to Winchester Hospital where they were treated and released. A Hazmat team secured the building and neutralized the drug.

Moses was charged with possession of a Class A substance and breaking and entry into a motor vehicle.

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