Somerville Police warns of ‘bad batch’ in drug supply
The Somerville Police Department is warning of a “bad batch” of drugs that may have caused a spike in overdoses and three recent deaths.
Five overdoses occurred last weekend, three of them fatal, according to an “Overdose Warning” posted to Somerville Police’s Facebook page.
“This spike in overdoses could indicate the presence of a ‘bad batch’ being distributed locally,” the warning said.
Overdoses and fatalities can increase when particularly powerful drugs, often laced with fentanyl or xylazine, also known as “tranq,” make it onto the streets.
The department urged anyone who suspects an overdose to call 911 immediately. Fentanyl test strips and naloxone, a nasal spray that can reverse an opioid overdose, are available at Somerville Public Libraries.
Vending machines open 24/7 at the West Branch Library at 40 College Ave. and Project Soup at 165 Broadway also carry both. In Massachusetts, naloxone, known also by the name brand Narcan, is also available at pharmacies without a prescription.
Those looking for help with a substance use disorder can find recovery resources by visiting the Somerville Hub website, the department said.
Related Articles
Police Blotter: Cambridge man faces federal sex trafficking charge
Massachusetts man accused of giving fentanyl to overdose victim pleads guilty to manslaughter
Boston Police told the Herald they were not aware of any bad batches hitting the supply in the city, nor a spike in overdoses.
