Local Officials Warn Against Deadly New Drug in Montgomery County

Willow Grove, PA, July 26, 2018– The Center for Forensic Science Research and Education at the Fredric Rieders Family Foundation has received notification over the weekend from July 20 to 22, 2018, that hospitals in the Greater Philadelphia Area have been seeing increased numbers of admitted patients for suspected opioid overdose. Media reports estimated more than 160 individuals were admitted to area hospitals for overdose during this time and user reports noted a new street drug called “Santa Muerte” or “Perfect 10.” Emergency medical personnel reported successful use of naloxone to reverse adverse respiratory effects. Upon revival of drug users, agitation and confusion were observed. These clinical features lead to the initial diagnosis by public health officials that the street drug material could contain a possible anticholinergic agent (e.g. scopolamine).

Through collaborations with local law enforcement and public health officials in Philadelphia and surrounding areas acquired a seized drug exhibit from Montgomery County, PA, a neighboring county to the city of Philadelphia, to analytically confirm the drug(s) present. The exhibits (shown above) were stamped with “Santa Muerte” and consistent in appearance with a suspected heroin-like drug preparation. The “Santa Muerte” exhibits, stamped with black or red ink, were found to contain heroin, fentanyl, and 5F-ADB (a popular synthetic cannabinoid). This combination of opioids and a synthetic cannabinoid is consistent with clinical reports of respiratory depression and agitated behavior.

“We believe it is never a good decision to ingest potentially deadly substances, especially in recent years with the adulteration of heroin with other novel drugs and deadly opioids. In this particular case, we feel that it is important to inform the public of the dangers associated with the “Santa Muerte” drug supply and equally important to inform public health and safety communities of the substances detected,” said Research Scientist Alex Krotulski who works in the Toxicology Division at The Center for Forensic Science Research and Education.

If you would like more information about this topic, please contact Dr. Barry K. Logan, F-ABFT at (215) 366-1591 or email at Contact@frfoundation.org.