A warning from the county coroner

This announcement late yesterday from Karl Addis, Oconee coroner:

“This press release is being issued to create public awareness for the Citizens of Oconee County, Upstate South Carolina, Northeast Georgia and Western North Carolina.  A drug new to this region has been identified as having contributed to three (3) deaths in Oconee County during the time frame of February 12th through February 14th, 2022.

These three deaths included a 24-year-old Westminster woman who died at her home, and two men, age 65 and 45years, who were found dead outside a home near West Union.

Toxicology testing on each of these deceased individuals identified the presence of Protonitazene, a new synthetic opioid with no medically accepted use.  Other substances of abuse were also identified during toxicology testing.

I have been informed that Protonitazene is believed to have potency similar to or greater than Fentanyl.  As such, Protonitazene has the potential to cause rapid sedation, respiratory depression, and death.  Protonitazene may be distributed alone or in combination with Heroin and/or Fentanyl as well as other synthetic opioids, in solid dose forms (illicit tablets) and powders.”