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NEW HAVEN, CT (WFSB) — City officials in New Haven are trying to get a handle on a synthetic drug epidemic that hospitalized more 100 overdose cases spanned 36 hours.
Most of the overdose cases happened in the area of the New Haven Green on Wednesday.
Police blamed K2, a synthetic drug that induces marijuana-like effects and can be laced with dangerous substances.
Sen. Richard Blumenthal met with Mayor Toni Harp and police Chief Anthony Campbell on the Green Friday morning.
They discussed public safety and resources.
They also revealed that the number of overdoses was 114 and may of the patients needed to be treated multiple times.
Three people have been arrested, including one who was allegedly giving out free samples of the drug. Campbell said they expected to release more information about them during a news conference Friday afternoon.
Rep. Rosa DeLauro, the lead Democrat on an Appropriations subcommittee that funds the Department of Public Health and Human Services, provided a statement on Friday.
“The overdose crisis on the Green is heartbreaking, and I echo the recent sentiments of Fire Chief John Alston that we must deal this situation in the context of the national drug crisis,” DeLauro said. “Just last month, the Food and Drug Administration rightly warned people to remain vigilant regarding the dangers of contaminated K2, but that is clearly not enough. We must do more. I look forward to working with our local leaders to identify federal resources that would best address the ongoing crisis here in New Haven and tackle the scourge of drug addiction in our communities.”
Officials said what happened over the past week was something with which the city has never dealt.
Medics had to treat patients, some as many as three times, police said.
Officials said the victims ranged in age and demographics. They experienced symptoms of dehydration, nausea, vomiting, hallucinations and unconsciousness.
No deaths were reported; however, police said six people came close.
The addiction has many in the city worried.
“You can tell them ‘no don’t do it,’ give them all the advice in the world, ‘don’t take it,’ but at the end of the day that’s their choice,” said Demetrius Hyman of New Haven.
Police said they will continue to monitor the area until the situation is resolved.
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