It is the first time that such a violent substance has been reported in Réunion. A “not yet identified” product is the cause of the overdose death of three people and the hospitalization in intensive care of six other patients, the Regional Health Agency (ARS) of Réunion reported Monday morning.
Since the end of June 2023, a total of 13 poisonings have been recorded in people between 21 and 46 years old, the ARS indicated in a press release published this morning.
“Autopsies have been performed on the deceased,” the health authorities announced during a press conference held this morning.
Samples were sent to France to identify the substance. But “according to early research, these are synthetic opiates 500 times more powerful than heroin,” says the ARS.
“High risk of overdose”
Presenting “a significant risk of overdose a few seconds or minutes after ingestion,” these synthetic products can be “smoked, vaporized, injected, ingested, inhaled, or snorted without the consumer’s knowledge or not,” warns the ARS in its Press release.
“Among the symptoms experienced, some patients specify that the poisoning began after two puffs of smoked tobacco: sudden asphyxiation occurs because these substances have a direct effect on the cerebral respiratory centers and the person cannot breathe.”
Health authorities have given few indications about the circumstances of the overdoses. The only indication is that “the three people died at home,” the ARS reported.
The conditions under which these products were introduced to the island are still under investigation.
“These could be products ordered (outside Réunion – editor’s note) by mistake without the sponsor being aware of their danger,” commented Dr. David Mété, head of the addictions department at Saint CHU-Denis. It is the first time that such a violent substance has been reported in Réunion.
Source: BFM TV
