Why were cops fainting from fentanyl?
Starting around 2013, cops claimed they were fainting and suffering health problems via absorbing fentanyl through their skin. Did that really happen?
June 18, 2025
1 hr 3 min
21
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42 of 102
Episode 21 · June 18, 2025
Why were cops fainting from fentanyl?
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Ken Klippenstein Episodes Around June 18, 2025
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1:03:26This episodeWhy were cops fainting from fentanyl?
Summary
Some urban legends are just for fun, like the “Pacific Northwest Tree Octopus,” while others are not. Today we’re investigating the claim that while busting drug dealers, police can accidentally “absorb” fentanyl through their skin, causing them to suffer a whole bevy of health problems — starting with fainting. Years later, it’s still impacting legislation across the country and mostly wasting a bunch of money. Mangesh Hattikudur and Mary Phillips-Sandy from Part-Time Genius join us to explain how fentanyl actually works, and debunk this one.
Check out Part-Time Genius wherever you get your podcasts, and follow them on Instagram @parttimegenius.
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Credits
- Host: Ryan Broderick
- Producer: Grant Irving
- Researcher: Adam Bumas
- Business Manager: Josh Fjelstad
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