A synthetic opioid that is said to be even more potent than fentanyl has been linked to a tragic overdose death in California. The U.S. Department of Justice’s Los Angeles office has taken action in what could be the first death-related criminal case involving this dangerous drug.
The accused, 21-year-old Benjamin Anthony Collins from LA County, is facing serious charges for distributing protonitazene, a synthetic opioid that is reportedly three times stronger than fentanyl. If convicted, Collins could face a minimum of 20 years in prison, with the maximum penalty being life imprisonment.
The victim, a 22-year-old man, tragically passed away shortly after consuming the pills allegedly sold to him by Collins. The young man took the drugs in his car and was found dead by his mother outside their home. The Center of Forensic Science Research and Education suggests that protonitazene made its way into the illegal drug market in North America prior to May 2021.
While opioid overdose deaths have seen a slight decrease, they are still at elevated levels compared to pre-pandemic times. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, there have been over 75,000 opioid-related deaths in the U.S. in the past year. This is a significant increase from the previous average of fewer than 50,000 fatal overdoses annually.
As the investigation into this tragic incident continues, it serves as a stark reminder of the ongoing opioid crisis that continues to claim lives across the country. The prevalence of potent synthetic opioids like protonitazene only adds to the dangers faced by individuals struggling with addiction and highlights the importance of addressing this issue at both the law enforcement and public health levels.
Matthew Rodriguez, a digital producer for CBS Los Angeles, has been following this story closely and reporting on the latest developments. His coverage of breaking news and crime stories sheds light on the impact of dangerous drugs like protonitazene on communities and families.
