STATEN ISLAND, N.Y. — Dangerous combinations of fentanyl mixed with cocaine, veterinary medications and other substances are causing overdoses on Staten Island and across New York City — a trend that prompted a warning from the borough’s Fentanyl and Overdose Task Force.

While the Island experienced a 49% reduction in accidental deaths from overdoses last year , fentanyl remains a serious threat to the health and well-being of people suffering from substance use disorders, according to the task force’s final report .

Fentanyl, a synthetic opioid that is up to 50 times stronger than heroin and 100 times stronger than morphine, is the leading cause of fatal overdoses on Staten Island and the rest of New York City.

A significant reduction in the flow of fentanyl into the United States

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