Update Thursday 3 p.m.
Riley County Police say a second person has died from an apparent drug overdose involving heroin containing fentanyl.
New details released Thursday afternoon show that one of two people who were hospitalized earlier this week died at a medical center. That person, a 50-year-old Manhattan man was discovered after a medical emergency call Tuesday evening. The other person, a 35-year-old Manhattan man was found dead at a residence Tuesday night. Their names have not been released.
Police also responded to a medical emergency in Ogden March 2 where a 27-year-old Emporia man was transported to a medical center after an apparent overdose. He has since been released.
No similar reports have been received by RCPD since March 5. An active investigation is ongoing.
RCPD on Wednesday released a public safety alert and are asking the public to come forward with any information regarding the sale, possession or use of these dangerous drugs.
Original story Wednesday
MANHATTAN — After three reports of apparent drug overdoses in the past week, including one fatality, Riley County Police are urging the public to be aware of a potential public health risk.
Investigations have suggested some of these incidents may have been related to the use of heroin containing fentanyl, an extremely strong synthetic opioid. According to police, one person has died, two others were hospitalized. An active investigation is ongoing.
According to RCPD Officer Rachel Pate, a medical emergency call was reported at 10th and Yuma Wednesday afternoon. Pate could not confirm whether that incident was related to the reported drug overdoses. RCPD says the use of illegal narcotics regularly produces negative consequences, but in the case of heroin containing fentanyl, the consequences can be deadly. RCPD says they believe these incidents represent a significant health risk to some in the community and they are requesting the public’s assistance in responding to the risk.
Police are asking anyone with knowledge about the sale, possession or use of these dangerous drugs to call the Riley County Police Department at 785-537-2112 or in an emergency 911. Anonymous information can be sent through Manhattan-Riley County Crime Stoppers at 785-539-7777 or through p3tips.com/353.
