SAN FRANCISCO—On Thursday, February 22, officers from the San Francisco Police Department were called to the 1500 block of Page Street at 4:35 a.m. near the Urban School of San Francisco high school. The caller reported to seeing three men lying on the ground. The bodies were discovered by a security guard at the school. San Francisco Police Department Spokesman Officer Robert Rueca indicated that the three individuals were unresponsive and pronounced dead by cops at the scene.
According to reports, the deaths may be the result of drug overdoses. Rachel Kagan, a spokeswoman for the city of San Francisco Public Health Department informed the media that the deaths may be the result of an overdose of fentanyl.
The San Francisco Department of Public Health released the following statement in response to the deaths:
“Consumers may be unaware that they have purchased fentanyl, which puts them in danger of overdose or death, since the dosing levels are significantly different.”
Fentanyl is a lethal opioid that is more potent than other drugs in its classification. Often referred to as China White, the drug is sought after by habitual heroin users for its intensity. Many users are unaware of how quickly poisoning can occur when using the substance. Fentanyl poisoning has risen in recent months, fueling the apex of opioid addiction in the United States.
“People who buy drugs on the street are at risk of purchasing drugs contaminated by fentanyl, which is a very strong opioid, much more potent than heroin,” said Dr. Tomas Aragon, San Francisco Health Officer.
Kagan reiterated that her department will be contacting health care providers in addition to drug users in the community to fully inform them about the dangers of fentanyl.
