Holyoke police warn about new drug mixed into heroin that causes ‘violent’ behavior, may not respond to Narcan
“The public should be aware that this substance is out there, it is potent, dangerous and deadly.”
Police are warning that recent overdoses and medical calls have revealed that bags of heroin being sold in Holyoke contain a new substance that may not respond to naloxone, or Narcan, the opioid-overdose reversal drug. In a statement Thursday, the Holyoke Police Department noted that heroin being sold in the city is “adulterated with many substances,” the best known being the powerful synthetic opioid fentanyl. But the new substance, MDMB-4en-PINACA, a synthetic cannabinoid, has emerged.According to a Cayman Chemical Company, MDMB-4en-PINACA is meant for research, not for human or veterinary use. The company warns against breathing in the substance and to wash your skin if it is exposed.Police said first responders are observing new, concerning behaviors in those under its influence. “In some cases patients are violent and exhibit symptoms not generally related to heroin use, so it is confusing and difficult to treat at the scene and dangerous for first responders,” the department said. “Some patients have exhibited bizarre, self-destructive physical behaviors such attempting to jump from high places and fleeing into busy traffic patterns.”Ambulance crews have seen people suffering from respiratory issues, extremely high blood pressure, and dangerous heart rates, among other reactions to the substance. The concern is that the new substance may not respond to naloxone. “Crews can administer ‘Narcan’ (naloxone) for suspected a heroin overdose and it may have no effect on the patient, as the amount of heroin present in the bags can vary from none to just a partial amount,” police said. “Many hardcore heroin users have a sort of ‘comfort level’ with their heroin use, as they carry Narcan and feel they can manage and survive an overdose. This new substance should alter that thinking.”The labels found on the bags vary, police said. “Any name can be stamped on any bag – the public should be aware that this substance is out there, it is potent, dangerous and deadly,” the department said.
https://www.instagram.com/p/B9C92vOpWHE/
To comment, please create a screen name in your profile
To comment, please verify your email address
Conversation
This discussion has ended. Please join elsewhere on Boston.com