Fort Greene Park warns tiny containers littered on ground may contain fentanyl

Fort Greene Park officials are warning visitors to watch out for tiny plastic canisters on fields and playgrounds, fearing they may contain traces of the deadly drug fentanyl.

The so-called trash can containers are colorful and the size of a coin, according to an email alert from the Fort Greene Park Conservancy Monday, and they could be mistaken for treats or toys to young kids and dogs.

“We want all park users to know that we’ve had several reports of potential fentanyl ‘trash cans’ located in and around the park,” the email said. “These have been found in the park’s playgrounds, on the central lawn, and on the Willoughby entrance ramp.”

It’s unclear if the tiny cans found in the park actually contained fentanyl. David Barker, the city Parks Department director for Fort Greene Park, said the containers discovered in the area were “potential” drug paraphernalia and have not yet tested positive for traces of any drugs.

"We take the health of our patrons and our staff seriously, and we perform regular maintenance at all of our properties across the five boroughs," said Parks Department spokesperson Chris Clark. "There has been no documented evidence that these containers include fentanyl but we will continue to monitor the situation."

Fentanyl, a synthetic opioid that’s commonly mixed into other drugs, is 30 to 50 times more potent than heroin, according to the city Health Department.

Last month, a 1-year-old boy died and several other kids were sickened after being exposed to fentanyl at a Bronx daycare, where a kilogram of fentanyl and drug processing equipment was found near the children’s play mats and under the floorboards.

Still, medical experts told NPR earlier this year fentanyl does not easily pass through the skin — and most people harmed by the drug consume it by smoking or injection.

Some schools around Fort Greene have also been on high alert for the drug containers as well, issuing notices to parents to warn them of the potential dangers.

“These trash cans are often bright colored and could be very appealing for children to pick up as a trinket or toy. Kids need to be told not to touch them, that they are dangerous and can make them sick,” said one email from Community Roots Charter School in Fort Greene that was sent to parents Monday.

On Monday afternoon, the park was busy with babies and toddlers playing with their families and caregivers, who said they were worried about the potential drug litter harming the kids.

“We’re taking care of children – of course, it's scary to know that you have things laying around like that, but I have not seen it in this park,” said Rachael Francique, a nanny who was watching three babies play on a blanket in one of the playgrounds.

“They’re children, they're so innocent. They don't know. They will definitely put stuff in their mouth,” she added.

The canisters are similar to other drug paraphernalia – but far more concerning, said Armando Fuentes, who was walking his dog Ruby Roo in the park.

“I’d mistake those probably for weed containers,” Fuentes said. “But I'll definitely look out for that now.”

This story has been updated with comment from the Parks Department.