DPS NEWS

MEDIA ALERT: Illegal Drug Findings and Public Warning May 10 at 9:00 a.m.

For Immediate Release

May 8, 2017

 

MEDIA ALERT:   Illegal Drug Findings & Public Warning May 10 at 9:00 a.m.

What:  The Utah Department of Public Safety issues a “special hazard warning” to the public about new trends in street drugs across Utah. The crime laboratory has identified a single tablet that appears to be illicitly manufactured and contains multiple hazardous compounds. Several of the identified components are potentially 100 times stronger than morphine, these substances are extremely dangerous.  You’ve heard about synthetic opioids such as “Pink” causing the deaths of 2 Park City teens last year and a pill similar to the drug concoction “Gray Death” causing the recent near-death of a teenager in Morgan last month. Imagine ten different compounds in one pill, with an elephant tranquilizer thrown into the mix. Public Safety officials want to warn Utahns, and parents, that these deadly pills are on the streets.  These “homemade” pills may not contain protective coatings so even touching them can be dangerous.

Angle:  You’ve heard many stories about prescription opioid dangers and abuse, however, this alert focuses on the concerning manufacture of illegal pills containing multiple deadly compounds.   The public needs to be aware.

When:  Wednesday, May 10 at 9:00 a.m.

Where:  Utah Department of Public Safety Crime Lab, 4451 South Constitution Blvd (2700 West)

Who:   

• Commissioner Keith Squires/Utah Dept. of Public Safety  Statewide Warning and Overview
• Jay Henry/State Crime Lab, Utah Bureau of Forensic Services Laboratory System Findings – multiple hazardous compounds in pills
• Dr. Angela Dunn, Deputy State Epidemiologist with the Utah Department of Health. Data/Statistics in Utah, signs and symptoms

 

Visuals Opportunity: Photographers may shoot video/pics within crime lab after news conference.

 

Click here for a PDF of the media alert

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