Designer Drug Deaths In Peoria County

From the Peoria County Government:

Posted on: January 10, 2020

Three toxicology results that had been pending on drug-related death cases in Peoria County have resulted. The content of the drugs responsible for the cause of death raises some concern over what is circling in the area. What we found in these isolated cases are what is being described as New Emerging Psychoactive Substances (NPS).

These cases, ranging from October 2019 to December of 2019, were absolutely independent of each other, yet all contained an isolated substance in them that resulted in the death of the said individual.

Tianeptine--an atypical antidepressant used in the treatment of major depressive disorder--was found in a toxicology case in October 2019. According to the DEA (2019), Tianeptine has recently emerged on the illicit drug market in the United States. Tianeptine has been found by law enforcement in various forms including bulk powder, counterfeit pills mimicking hydrocodone and oxycodone, and in heroin.

Xylazine, commonly used a tranquilizer or sedative for large animals, was found in a toxicology report from November 2019. This particular toxicology report also included heroin and fentanyl. However, the Xylazine was of the most concern for the cause of death, due to the concentration.

Isotonitazene, a potent NPS opioid, was found in a toxicology report from December 2019. This particular compound had been mixed with cocaine. Isotonitazene had not been previously detected in any toxicology report in Peoria County over the last three years. The high potency and efficacy of isotonitazene represents an extremely dangerous drug. Its presence is of sincere detriment, and likely not reservable with Narcan.

These three drugs that have been discovered are game-changers in the fight against opioid and opioid-related drug deaths for a few reasons. First: the user will most likely not know that the designer drug is present and, therefore, would not know the consequences. Second: if a person does become unresponsive and quits breathing after use, Narcan most likely will not be strong enough to reverse the effects, especially if mixed with other drugs, like heroin and or fentanyl.

JOLT harm reduction is open to have drugs tested before use; however, these sophisticated adjuncts may go undetected despite the efforts of testing prior to use. The best strategy is to seek drug treatment, if possible, and not take the risk of getting one of these mixed in with cocaine and/or heroin.

This press release was produced by the Peoria County Government. The views expressed here are the author’s own.