What was originally called in as a fight in progress turned out to be a case where three people had overdosed in the 600 block of Williams Street Monday evening.
The three victims in the case, Roanoke Rapids police Chief Shane Guyant said, told police they had overdosed due to laced marijuana. Officers responded around 8:30 p.m.
Guyant said two exhibited symptoms of an overdose while another was initially unconscious and was revived through a chest massage.
While officers could find no evidence of narcotics or paraphernalia, Guyant said the marijuana was most likely laced with fentanyl and the department is investigating “as best we can” to trace a source. He said the victims, who did not seek medical treatment, were not cooperative.
No charges were filed since there was no presence of narcotics or paraphernalia.
"We have heard from other communities that marijuana was being laced with all kinds of poisons such as fentanyl and xylazine,” Guyant said. “However, this is the first official incident we have seen in the city. I realize many people in this area absolutely love their marijuana. To those individuals that continue to ingest marijuana into their bodies this incident should serve as a warning and a huge wakeup call. You are smoking more than a plant.”
He said marijuana users “have no idea what is laced with your marijuana. If you continue to smoke your plant you may want to have access to Narcan. It may save your life. If your marijuana is laced with xylazine Narcan will not help you.”
Xylazine, Guyant said, is a horse tranquilizer.
The CDC said it is increasingly being found in the United States illegal drug supply and linked to overdose deaths. It is known as tranq and tranq dope.
Xylazine, which the CDC said is not approved for use in people, can be life-threatening and is especially dangerous when combined with opioids like fentanyl.
“You should Google Xylazine Wounds to see what your face is going to look like from smoking this type of laced plant,” the police chief said. “I suggest you stop using it all together. Seek treatment. There are tons of resources in our community.”
One resource, he said, is Trillium Health Resources.
“Be smart about this,” Guyant said. “It's more than just a plant. It could cost you your life. Until North Carolina decides that marijuana should be regulated and dispensed safely you are at risk. Also, to those dealers that push your poisons onto others, be mindful, if someone dies as a result of your actions, you will go to prison.
“To those that advocate for marijuana please take this opportunity to push for the safety of human lives. Also remember, marijuana possession is still illegal here in North Carolina."
