Dangerous Synthetic Drugs have Killed One Person and Hurt Others in Franklin County

The Winchester Police Department needs to alert the public about dangerous synthetic drugs that have been distributed to youth in the community. Over the last two weeks, they have responded to at least 11 overdoses, one death, life threatening injuries, and one serious accident pertaining to the following two synthetic drugs. The first synthetic drug that they need to alert the public to is a Synthetic Marijuana with a street name of “Fruity Pebbles”. In exit interviews with those that have tried this product, it has been reported that after one puff, the users experienced a complete blackout. One of the juveniles tried this drug while operating a vehicle and blacked out leaving the roadway and crashed into a light pole. Another juvenile experienced the same reaction and was admitted to the Intensive Care Unit where he learned that he was having organ failure. K2 spice, commonly sold under the false pretense as spice/ potpourri but actually is altered with a synthetic marijuana chemical. The most recent brand seen on the market, “Fruity Pebbles”, and other names being used are “Bang Bang” and “Diablo”, all are in the same family as “K2”, just under a different name. The poison being sprayed on the latest version of synthetic marijuana hasn’t been identified as of yet and the manufacturers change the chemical makeup on a frequent basis. Children do not realize the dangers associated with these altered products.
The second synthetic is in the pill form, labeled Percocet 10/325. The Tennessee Bureau of Investigation (TBI) lab has determined that the active ingredient in these fake pills is actually a drug called “Fentanyl”; an opiate base drug normally used in a transdermal patch with a slow release.
In the last week alone, there were six reported overdoses in Winchester from these fake pills, with one death reported.
The Winchester/Franklin County CrimeStoppers program is offering a reward up to $1,000 for information leading to the arrest for those manufacturing these fake pills. Call the Winchester Police Department at 931-967-3840.