Bad batch of K2 may be responsible for 4 deaths, 140 people sickened, DC officials say - Story | WTTG

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A person being treated by first responders for a possible synthetic marijuana overdose in the 1400 block of Good Hope Road in Southeast D.C. on July 16, 2018.

WASHINGTON - A bad batch of synthetic marijuana may be connected to several deaths and more than 100 people sickened in Washington D.C.

According to a D.C. Fire and EMS spokesperson, there have been about 140 cases of people falling ill after using K2 since Saturday, not including several cases firefighters responded to Wednesday evening.

A firefighter told FOX 5 that 11 people were sickened at E and 3rd streets in Northwest D.C. at around 5 p.m. Wednesday. He compared the zombie-like state of patients to a scene out of "Night of the Living Dead."

Firefighter tells me K2 calls have been almost nonstop today. Man is out cold at E & 4th Nw. Have seen a few people walking around like zombies, totally out of it. In addition to 140 cases since Sat, about 11 sick at E & 3rd around 5pm. More on @fox5dc 10/11 pic.twitter.com/aHp0kZ4z7y

— Lindsay Watts (@LindsayAWatts) July 19, 2018

RIGHT NOW: It's like a scene out of the walking dead. A block from the @DCPoliceDept station, several people are dropping like flies all day from what's being called by first responders, "bad K2". https://t.co/yc5r3SuMaz @LindsayAWatts pic.twitter.com/pJbiQwKoyk

— Van Applegate (@vbagate) July 19, 2018

Officials said they believe four deaths could be related to the synthetic drug, with the most recent happening Wednesday morning on 2nd and K street in Northwest D.C. A police source told FOX 5 that a man was found dead on the sidewalk.

Many of the suspected overdoses have been taking place near the CCNV homeless shelter located at 2nd and D streets, which is located a few blocks from D.C. police headquarters.

Fire officials said being dehydrated from the summer heat can cause people to be more susceptible from synthetic marijuana overdoses.

“You will see people that are unconscious, people that are vomiting, people that are collapsing or maybe being overly aggressive – those are signs that they may be impacted or under the influence,” said D.C. Fire and EMS Chief Gregory Dean.

Multiple city agencies including the police and fire departments along with the Department of Human Services and the Department of Behavioral Health are working with local shelters to help curb this ongoing problem.

“Anytime you have an increase, it has an impact. So we, the city agencies, are collaborating together to address this impact," Dean said.

The city has created an "Emergency Alert" flier with information about K2 and drug addiction resources that officers and homeless advocates are now passing out.

NEW: Just got this emergency alert on potentially deadly batch of K2 in DC. Police say they’ll be handing this out tonight, targeting area around NW homeless shelter where man found dead this morning. @fox5dc pic.twitter.com/axYg9JTFcw

— Lindsay Watts (@LindsayAWatts) July 18, 2018

K2, also known as Spice, is a collection of chemicals that is being sold for a few dollars per rolled cigarette in the District.

"Synthetic drugs are dangerous and illegal chemicals made in laboratories, often located outside the United States," according to D.C. police on their website. "They are potent hallucinogens that have been found for sale at some retail establishments, such as liquor stores and gas stations. The products are frequently packaged under brand names such as K2, Scooby Snax, Bizzaro or Spice."

Synthetic marijuana can cause hallucinations, anxiety, paranoia, confusion, elevated heart rate, unconsciousness or even death.

Selling synthetic marijuana is illegal in D.C.

http://www.fox5dc.com/news/local-news/bad-batch-of-k2-may-be-responsible-for-4-deaths-140-people-sickened-dc-officials-say