7 People Collapse In Tampa After Taking Drug Containing Fentanyl

TAMPA, FL — Seven people were rushed to the hospital Tuesday after taking a drug containing fentanyl at the Jackson Meat Market in Tampa and developing problems breathing.

At 9:51 p.m., Tampa police were called to the Jackson Meat Market on North 34th Street and Osborne Avenue at 9:51 p.m. and found six people who had collapsed on the ground, according to Tampa police. Police said all six people were having difficulty breathing and several were unresponsive.

One of the victims told police they all took an illegal drug and had a bad reaction. Police said they administered Narcan, a drug that reverses the effects of a potentially fatal overdose. Tampa Fire Rescue then transported all six to the hospital.

While at the Jackson Meat Market, Tampa police received another call to the 3200 block of East 38th Avenue and found another person having difficulty breathing. Police were told the victim had come from the Jackson Meat Market. That victim was taken to the hospital as well.

Once at the hospital, all the victims were stabilized. Tampa police said they tested the drug and discovered it to be xylazine mixed with fentanyl.

Police were told the drug was sold to the victims by Albert N. Wyche, 32. Police arrested Wyche and charged him with one count of delivery of a controlled substance.