Chelsea police warn public of fentanyl influx
Overdose suspected in 4 fatalities
Four people died from suspected drug overdoses in Chelsea in less than 48 hours since Friday, news that rattled residents and prompted police to warn the public of a likely influx of fentanyl in the streets, the city’s top cop said.
“We’ve had three fatalities in 24 hours, four in 48,” Chelsea police Chief Brian Kyes said yesterday. “There were hypodermic needles found in each scene. An educated guess would lead us to believe there is some fentanyl that has been laced with these drugs.”
Kyes said the fatal overdoses claimed the lives of three men and one woman beginning Friday afternoon. The drug overdose victims, who were not identified, were men aged 65, 48, and a third who died yesterday morning who was in his late 20s or early 30s, Kyes said. A 28-year-old woman also fatally overdosed.
Kyes said drugs found connected to overdoses are being tested to determine if they were mixed with fentanyl. Kyes emphasized that drug users and addicts can seek help with police without fearing “consequences.”
Fentanyl, a synthetic opioid, is 50 times more powerful than heroin and 100 times more powerful than morphine. Fentanyl is so potent, accidentally touching or breathing even a tiny amount can severely harm first-responders or kids.
Chelsea police and state police assigned to Suffolk District Attorney Daniel F. Conley’s office are investigating.
Chelsea residents reacted with alarm to the news yesterday.
“This is not good,” said Tony Cartagena, 38, speaking in Spanish. “They’re putting their health in jeopardy.”
A man who would only identify himself as Rich, 52, said the possibly fentanyl-laced drugs put first responders in peril as much as drug users.
“It’s definitely alarming,” he said. “It’s another hazard for our public safety (officers) who are trying to help people with substance abuse. They have a lot that they have to be focusing on other than that.” Earlier this month, three Chelsea officers responding to a minivan accident were hospitalized after they were exposed to a cigarette box allegedly containing fentanyl.
Dangers from possible fentanyl exposure prompted Chelsea police to provide officers with disposable masks that cover the nose and mouth, disposable eyewear and long, heavy-duty gloves.