Course Overview

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This 8-hour course focuses on modern fentanyl and narcotics investigations with an emphasis on the digital platforms criminals use to sell and distribute drugs. Participants will learn how social media, encrypted messaging apps, and online marketplaces are being exploited to facilitate narcotics trafficking—and how law enforcement can effectively investigate and prosecute these crimes. The course is designed to provide practical, real-world tools for patrol officers, detectives, and task force investigators to combat today’s evolving drug landscape.

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Key Course Topics

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• The Modern Narcotics Marketplace – Understanding how fentanyl and other drugs are being marketed, sold, and delivered using social media and digital platforms

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• Identifying Online Drug Activity – Recognizing common slang, emojis, profiles, and trends used by dealers to advertise narcotics on the internet

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• Digital Evidence Collection – Best practices for preserving social media posts, text messages, call logs, and online transactions for successful prosecution

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• Undercover Operations in the Digital Age – Techniques for conducting online investigations, controlled buys, and informant management

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• Fentanyl Investigations and Overdose Response – Investigative steps following overdoses, including potential homicide or death-resulting prosecutions

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• Case Building and Courtroom Preparation – Report writing, search warrants, subpoenas, and collaboration with prosecutors to ensure strong, defensible cases