Pa. Police Warn Of Continued Dangers From K2
Oct. 20--ERIE, Pa. -- The Erie Bureau of Police has issued another warning about the dangers of using synthetic marijuana in the wake of more reported overdoses.
Police and other emergency responders were sent to the McDonald's at Fifth and State streets shortly before noon on a report of three overdoses on K2, a synthetic cannabinoid that has been blamed for a spate of other recent overdoses in the city. None of the overdoses have been fatal. However, some teenagers who initially went to local hospitals for treatment following a reported party late last week were transferred to a Pittsburgh hospital for follow-up care.
Police Chief Randy Bowers said this afternoon that the product, which is designed to look like marijuana, is treated with unknown chemicals, and the police department does not have the expertise to identify the chemicals. He said officers have seen some "very dangerous reactions" from those who have used the drug, from hallucinations to trouble breathing.
Police have not confiscated any of the drug as evidence.
"We find that people are reluctant to talk to us, but if anyone knows the source of this dangerous drug, we would welcome all calls," Bowers said.
Anyone with information is asked to call the bureau's Drug & Vice Unit at 870-1199.
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