WATERTOWN, S.D.(KXLG)- Law enforcement personnel from Eastern South Dakota and West Central Minnesota gathered in Watertown Thursday to learn more about Fentanyl.

Pharmaceutical Fentanyl was introduced in the early 1960s as a potent pain relief medication, especially for cancer patients. The synthetic opioid is 50- to 100 times stronger than morphine, according to health officials.

Illegally obtained or manufactured Fentanyl is responsible for thousands of drug overdose deaths in the United States annually. And while local officers don’t see much of the drug, they want to be prepared, according to Codington County Sheriffs Chief Deputy Brent Solum.

Illegally produced Fentanyl can come either as a powder or pressed into pills. It is sold alone or with other illicit drugs such as heroin or cocaine. Common street names for the medication include Apache, China Girl, Dance Fever, Goodfellas, Great Bear, He-Man, Jackpot, and Tango & Cash.

Solum said the turnout for the three-hour training session was good.

The training session was held at the Codington County Extension Complex in West Watertown.