Close to 200 people in Washington D.C. were found overdosed on the synthetic drug K2 within a week. Medics have responded to about 1,116 overdose cases in the area from mid-July to September.
Known as Spice, K2 is a dangerous synthetic drug often packaged as potpourri or incense. The drugs can be brought for as little as $2 per pack. Overdose signs include collapse, vomiting, unconsciousness and physical aggression. Smoking or ingesting K2 may lead to overdose or death.
About 193 overdose cases were reported from last Sunday to Friday. Many overdose cases have been reported near homeless shelters.
On Saturday, D.C. Mayor Muriel Bowser put out an emergency alert for the residents. “A potentially fatal batch of K2 is majorly impacting the District.
🚨REMINDER: A potentially fatal batch of K2 has hit the streets of DC. Smoking or ingesting K2 or "Spice" may lead to overdose or death. Please avoid at all costs. pic.twitter.com/rJyOE7y86p
— Mayor Muriel Bowser (@MayorBowser) September 14, 2018
“There are cities across the country that are seeing similar spikes, and D.C. is seeing this now. We’re hoping that the programs that we’re putting in place can get individuals the help that they need,” said D.C. Chief Medical Examiner Roger A. Mitchell Jr.
Dr. Jenifer Smith, director of the city’s Department of Forensic Sciences, said K2 drugs are “all very, extremely dangerous.”
“Part of what makes this dangerous is as you buy this product, you don’t know what’s in there,” she noted.
In July 2016, D.C. witnessed a major spike in synthetic drug overdoses as 600 overdose victims were transported that month.