The Austin Police Department (APD) is currently investigating a series of overdose incidents that resulted in two deaths that occurred early Friday morning. While the investigations are still underway and we are still working to confirm the exact drugs involved, based on preliminary information it’s believed dangerous opioids are involved in a few of them. Fentanyl is a synthetic opiate similar to heroin, but much more powerful.
- It can be in a pill, powder, patch, solid, or liquid form
- It can be lethal in small amounts
However, Austin’c Chief Medical Officer is also concerned that another drug could be involved: a veterinary sedative known as xylazine. Lab tests will confirm the presence of the drug, which is often resistant to the anti-overdose medication often carried by first responders known as Narcan.
Anyone with information regarding these cases is asked to call APD Homicide or the Organized Crime division at 512-974-8477 (TIPS).
