Deadly Drug “Fire” Is on the Streets in Minnesota

Minnesota law enforcement has issued warnings to the public about a new street drug called “fire” with deadly consequences for users and people who come in contact with the drug.

Warnings Issued for Deadly Street Drug

A deadly drug with the ability to cause death is circulating on the streets of northern Minnesota. Law enforcement is warning people about the dangers of the drug that has already been linked to one death and numerous non-fatal overdoses.

The Pine to Prairie Drug Task Force, operating in northern Minnesota, is warning that the street drug “fire” is potentially fatal to users and other people who may unknowingly come in contact with the substance.

According to the Pine to Prairie Drug Task Force, the drug is suspected to be a type of fentanyl being sold as heroin under the street name “fire.” The substance is a fine crystal with a pink color that resembles the glow of fire, hence the street name. On March 25, approximately 160 grams of “fire” were seized in northern Minnesota areas by Drug Task Forces, and it is currently being analyzed by the Bureau of Criminal Apprehension.

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), “fire” is considered to be an opioid drug. It’s a powerful stimulant that increases energy and activity levels while decreasing the need for sleep. This substance is often associated with dangerous, erratic behaviors, acts of violence, and poor decision-making skills. Fentanyl is commonly used as a cutting agent to increase the profitability of heroin and other illegal drugs. Fentanyl is a dangerous drug that can be fatal in small doses, or even on human contact with the skin and nasal passages.

Minnesota drug crimes carry harsh punishments and steep fines. The most severe penalties involve Schedule I drugs, including heroin and LSD, with a high potential for addiction and no accepted medical use. Schedule II drugs, including methamphetamine, methadone, fentanyl, cocaine, and PCP, have a high potential for abuse and dependence, but have an accepted medical use.

In Minnesota, a drug crime charge involves any allegation of drug manufacturing, distribution, possession, buying or selling, and trafficking of an illegal controlled substance. If charged with a drug crime in Minnesota, a drug attorney will be necessary for a proper criminal defense to reduce serious penalties. Without legal representation by a drug attorney, an offender can face steep fines and jail time.

Max Keller has won countless jury trial cases involving misdemeanors and felonies, sex crimes, and DWI’s. He is a member of the Minnesota Society for Criminal Justice, which only allows the top 50 criminal defense attorneys in the state as members. Max is a frequent speaker at CLE’s and is often asked for advice by other defense attorneys across Minnesota.

Experience: Practicing since 1997
Minnesota Registration Status: Active
Bar & Court Admissions: State of Minnesota Minnesota State Court Minnesota Federal Court 8th Circuit Federal Court of Appeals State of Maryland

Recent Posts

What Is the Exclusionary Rule in a Criminal Case?

So, what is the exclusionary rule, and how does it apply to your case? The exclusionary rule is a court-driven rule that takes effect when evidence in a criminal case is unlawfully obtained. In your case, a court might use the exclusionary rule if the illegally obtained evidence helped the officers get other pieces of evidence they would not have found otherwise.  The secondary evidence subject to the exclusionary rule is referred to as the fruit of the poisonous tree doctrine. The exclusionary rule borrows its reasoning from constitutional rights. So, it applies to criminal cases as a deterrent and remedy rather than a standalone constitutional right.

What Happens If You Violate Probation in Minnesota?

People who suspect that they have violated probation or are already facing a violation charge might ask, “What happens if you violate probation?” A probation violation in Minneapolis, Minnesota could result in a range of consequences, depending on the type and severity of the violation. Those consequences include reprimand from probation officers, enhanced supervision and stricter conditions, and probation revocation and incarceration.