A community drug alert has been issued after at least two deaths and 35 suspected overdoses could be tied to a highly toxic street drug supply. The Overdose Monitoring Alert and Response System issued the alert on Thursday. They said the suspected overdoses and deaths had been reported between Nov. 8 and Nov. 11 and included reports of heavy sedation. “The street drug supply is highly toxic,” the alert warned. “Any type of street drug may be different than expected and may cause unexpected reactions. Drugs appear to be cut or mixed with other substances that you may not expect, taste, or see.” Sanguen’s Drug Checking Program recently found fentanyl mixed with non-opioids, such as Medetomidine and Benzodiazepines. People who use drugs are urged to go to the hospital if they, or someone they are using with, experience deep sleepiness, very low heart rate, very slow breathing or seizures. Complex withdrawal symptoms such as excessive vomiting, chest pain, and going in and out of awareness was also reported.
