Seven people were rushed to the hospital in Florida after investigators said they consumed drugs laced with Fentanyl and a veterinary tranquilizer. The victims were found unresponsive near a Tampa convenience store, police said.
Tampa police say officers responded to a 911 call about several people who took bad drugs near Jackson Meat Market at 34th Street North and Osborne Avenue just before 10 p.m. Tuesday.
Upon arrival, officers found six people unresponsive on the ground. Investigators say all six victims were having a difficult time breathing. Several of the victims needed to be revived with Narcan.
One victim told investigators that they had all had a bad reaction after taking a drug. While the six victims were being transported to the hospital, officers were also dispatched nearby to the 3200 block of E 38th Ave, in reference to another person who was not breathing.
Upon arrival, responding officers were told the victim had also come from the Jackson Meat Market area as well. The drugs were tested and discovered to contain Fentanyl mixed with Xylazine, a veterinary tranquilizer.
Tampa Fire Rescue transported all of the victims to nearby hospitals. Once admitted, they were conscious and breathing. Police said they are all listed in stable condition.
“This could’ve turned out a lot worse for those seven people,” said Tampa Police Spokesperson Jamel Lanee. “One of the victims had mentioned they believed they know the name of the suspect.”
Investigators located and arrested the suspected drug dealer, identified as 42-year-old Albert Wyche, accused of providing the victims with the drugs.
He is charged with one count of delivery of a controlled substance.
