Police in Massachusetts are warning public of new chemical substance causing violent and bizarre behavior

The Holyoke Police Department is issuing a Public Safety Awareness / Warning regarding bags of Heroin in general and a new substance. Recent overdoses and medical calls have produced tips and information that Heroin bags now being sold in Holyoke are adulterated with many substances – Fentanyl and Caffeine are the best known of these agents due to their deadly effects.

However, a new chemical substance was recently noted within certain bags – MDMB-4en-PINACA. This substance is described as a “synthetic Cannabinoid”. First responders, police, fire and ambulance crews are observing behavior consistent with PCP ingestion in some of the overdose patients. In some cases, patients are violent and exhibit symptoms not generally related to Heroin use. Some patients have exhibited bizarre, self-destructive physical behaviors such attempting to jump from high places and fleeing into busy traffic patterns.

Ambulance crews are observing respiratory issues, dangerous heart rates and extremely high blood pressures among other reactions. Crews can administer “Narcan” (Naloxone) for a suspected Heroin overdose and it may have no effect on the patient as the amount of Heroin present in the bags can vary from none to just a partial amount.

The labels found stamped on the bags vary – any name can be stamped on any bag.

Police are stating that the public should be aware that this substance is out there. It is potent, dangerous and deadly.