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.