Three teenage girls in Santa Monica had purchased blue circular tablets that they believed were ecstasy from an online dealer. Officials now say the pills were contaminated with fentanyl.
Three teenage girls who apparently overdosed on an unknown substance at an apartment in Santa Monica were hospitalized.Three teenage girls were hospitalized after overdosing on ecstasy pills laced with fentanyl at an apartment inSanta Monica police and fire personnel were sent to the 2000 block of 20th Street at about 11 p.m. May 25 on "a report of a possible overdose," said Lt. Rudy Flores of the Santa Monica Police Department.
According to LA County Public Health, the teens purchased ‘blue circular tablets,' that was reportedly ecstasy, from a dealer online. They crushed and snorted the tablets and lost consciousness, theHealth officials say the pills were contaminated with fentanyl and other yet-to-be-identified psychoactive substances.
The three teens were all rushed to the hospital, two were listed in critical but stable condition and the third was conscious and alert. The teens all required "emergency medical intervention, including naloxone and a breathing tube," health officials said. "This incident highlights the growing national and local trend of illicit drugs and counterfeit pills being contaminated with illegally manufactured fentanyl and other stimulant contaminants with toxicity impacting multiple organ systems, including the heart and brain, that can lead to life- threatening complications," according the Department of Public Health.
"Fentanyl and methamphetamine-related overdose deaths have increased in Los Angeles County since the pandemic and continue to rise at an alarming rate."Health officials urged people to recognize the signs of an opioid overdose, including loss of consciousness, pinpoint pupils, erratic heart rate, muscle spasms and seizures. Residents were also urged to have naloxone handy, which is available through pharmacies, often without a prescription.