New Haven Warns of ‘Tainted’ Drugs Amid Overdose Spike

Authorities declared the situation as a public health emergency last Friday, and they extend it to surrounding areas since nearby New Haven’s center they found about four more cases of overdose. “It is causing havoc in patient’s lungs”, she said.

Fentanyl is a synthetic opioid 50 times more stronger than heroin.

D’Onofrio said that several of the overdose patients had to be placed on ventilators to help them breathe, and added that it was unusual to see all of the overdose patients suffering from the same set of symptoms.

Hartman warned of the “life-threatening heroin” in an urgent, late-night warning Thursday, declaring the problem a public health emergency. “The New Haven Police Department is rigorously investigating the source of the illegal drug”.

Many victims told detectives that they thought they were purchasing cocaine, said Officer David Hartman, police spokesman. Fire officials said they began responding to emergency calls Thursday morning and continued throughout the day.

Newhallville and Dixwell in New Haven held the majority of cases of overdose, but other reports came from Shelton and cities of West Haven.

Deputy Director of Emergency Management Rick Fontana tells the New Haven Register the city has a “critical” shortage of the overdose reversal medication naloxone – also known by the brand name Narcan. Deirdre M. Daly, US Attorney for the state, said this marks a whole new in drug use, and warned cocaine users about the lethal combo-drug being sold.

The Governor, Dannel Malloy, considered this a very risky situation that affects everyone in the state and the country since there is no are immune to the drug epidemic.

Police and the federal Drug Enforcement Administration were working to arrange fast testing of seized drugs.