“Ketamine is suspected in the amphetamine and rat poison and fentanyl in the cocaine. Take care of each other!!!” It was field nursing that issued a warning on Facebook on Monday. Both in Grimstad and Arendal, they have received disturbing warnings. Facebook post from field nursing in Grimstad. Photo: Screenshot from Facebook Concern in the drug environment – We have received messages to our services from various users that there are impure and strong substances in circulation, says Ørjan Fossheim. He is unit manager in the life management department in Arendal municipality. Fossheim says that the municipality takes the messages seriously. What is ketamine and fentanyl? Ketamine is a drug used for anesthesia, pain relief and the treatment of depression. As an intoxicant, ketamine is available in powder form, which is typically ingested by snorting. Fentanyl is a synthetic opioid. The substance is 100 times stronger than morphine and 50 times stronger than heroin. The fentanyl preparations come as powder, tablets, nasal spray and eye drops. Source: ACTIS and Rusoplysningen – If there had been no concern in the environment, they would not have reported to us. He points out that it is the police who must take care of the investigation, but that the municipality has a major focus on prevention. In search of answers The police in the southern village have started an investigation to find answers to what has triggered the many overdose deaths. – The police have seen a trend with far more overdose deaths than normal. That worries us, says section leader Helge Torsvik at Arendal police station. Torsvik will not, for the time being, release figures on the number of overdose deaths because it is early in the investigation. One wants more knowledge about cause and connection. Section leader Helge Torsvik at Arendal police station. Photo: Kristin Olsen / news But news is informed by sources that there may be a dozen deaths in the drug environment in recent months. Autopsies can provide answers Torsvik also says they are aware of information that it may be impure substances and extra strong drugs. They are therefore keen to get quick answers to the samples that have been sent to the Norwegian Institute of Public Health (FHI) for analysis. – The police know that there are a lot of rumors in the drug community. It is not unnatural in such a situation. That is why we are keen to get the facts on the table. Only then can we give good answers, says Torsvik. FHI will also be responsible for autopsies of people who have died from overdose deaths in Arendal. The challenge is that the waiting time is now several weeks. It can therefore take a long time before there are answers that can provide important information. Here is the entire warning that has gone out to people in the drug environment in Arendal. Photo: Kristin Olsen / news This is not the first time the police have asked the FHI to prioritize the completion of analysis of the substances found in the body of the deceased – even if the final autopsy report is not available. – We are concerned with finding commonalities between the cases. That’s why we want to know whether there are substances that persist or a combination of these, says Torsvik. A year ago, field nursing in Grimstad came out with a similar concern. At the time, it was feared that rat poison had been mixed into amphetamine. Users felt unwell and told of increased thirst, dryness of the skin and feeling unwell. In 2012, rat poison was found in the amphetamine that was in circulation in Ørsta and Volda. Facts about consuming rat poison According to Helsenorge.no, rat poison can cause headaches, convulsions and internal bleeding. Prolonged use can cause serious damage. Symptoms of poisoning are often: Bleeding and bruising. Bleeding in the gums. Increased bleeding from small wounds and cuts.
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Sounding the alarm after several overdose deaths – fear of rat poison in cocaine – news Sørlandet – Local news, TV and radio
