Possible Dangerous Batch Of Drugs Linked To Multiple Deaths In Portland

Portland, Ore. — The Portland Police Bureau (PPB) issued a public safety alert today regarding a potentially lethal batch of drugs that is circulating in the city’s street marketplace. Since Friday, May 12, 2023, the PPB has been working closely with the Medical Examiner’s office to investigate eight death cases believed to be drug overdoses. Of these cases, six are suspected to be related to the highly potent opioid fentanyl, while the remaining two are pending further investigation.

The following are the details of the current cases:

1. May 12, 2023, 11:38 a.m. – A 38-year-old man found deceased inside an apartment in the 12100 block of East Burnside Street (Case Number: 23-123928).
2. May 12, 2023, 1:34 p.m. – The body of a 42-year-old man discovered in a tent located in the 8100 block of Southeast Rhine Street (Case Number: 23-124037).
3. May 13, 2023, 12:24 a.m. – A 47-year-old man found deceased inside a vehicle at Sellwood Riverfront Park, specifically at 8049 SE Oaks Park Way (Case Number: 23-124623).
4. May 13, 2023, 1:44 a.m. – The lifeless body of an unidentified man was discovered in a grassy area at the intersection of West Burnside Street and Northwest 8th Avenue (Case Number: 23-124669).
5. May 13, 2023, 4:21 p.m. – A 69-year-old man found dead in an apartment in the 800 block of Northwest Naito Parkway (Case Number: 23-125214).
6. May 13, 2023, 11:49 p.m. – Two men, aged 49 and 37, were discovered deceased in an apartment in the 16000 block of Northeast Sandy Boulevard (Case Number: 23-125607).
7. May 14, 2023, 4:31 p.m. – The body of an individual of unknown age was found in the 8100 Block of North Hartman Street (Case Number: 23-126180).

The Medical Examiner’s office and the Portland Police Narcotics and Organized Crime (NOC) Unit are actively investigating these cases. Preliminary findings indicate a worrisome trend, as it appears that some of the victims believed they were consuming cocaine, but the substances involved were later discovered to be a mixture of cocaine and fentanyl, or potentially pure powdered fentanyl. Authorities caution drug users about the presence of a particularly hazardous batch of drugs being sold on the streets as purported cocaine.

The NOC Unit is continuing its diligent investigation into these incidents. Individuals with any information regarding these cases who have not yet spoken with the police are urged to contact them via email at [email protected]. Please reference the corresponding case number when providing information.

The PPB and the Medical Examiner’s office are working together to ensure public safety and address this urgent matter. Authorities advise residents to remain vigilant and avoid the consumption of illicit drugs, especially considering the potential dangers associated with the current batch circulating in Portland.