Quetiapine (Seroquel): A Toxic Adulterant in Illicit Drugs - An Alert for Law Enforcement
Quetiapine, known by the brand name Seroquel, has been identified as a toxic adulterant in illicit drugs such as fentanyl, cocaine, and heroin. Quetiapine is basically being used as a booster for fentanyl and other opioids, but also in cocaine. Quetiapine is a CNS Depressant (sub category, antipsychotic). It is being used much like xylazine is today.
The Threat to Public Safety
The addition of Quetiapine to illicit drugs increases the risk of fatal drug poisoning. It can enhance sedation, respiratory depression, and other potentially lethal effects. This poses a significant threat to users and challenges law enforcement in controlling the spread of adulterated substances. In overdose cases, law enforcement can expect to see not only fentanyl overdoses, but overdoses of the boosting agent (in this case Quetiapine, in others it can be other CNS Depressants like xylazine). Narcan will not work on Quetiapine since it is not an opiate. If you are conducting lifesaving measures, you will need to administer narcan per your training, but also continue with other measures like rescue breathing or CPR.
Recommendations for Law Enforcement
Recognizing Quetiapine (Seroquel) Adulteration
Awareness: Understand that Quetiapine may be present in seized drug samples.
Testing: Consider laboratory analysis of seized drug samples taken from suspected drug overdose investigations.
Collaboration: Share data on adulterants in drug seizures with local health departments, medical examiners, and coroners.
Responding to Quetiapine (Seroquel) Adulteration
Training: Ensure that officers are trained to recognize signs of Quetiapine toxicity in overdose cases.
Investigation: Collaborate with forensic laboratories to identify the presence of Quetiapine in drug samples.
Community Engagement: Work with community partners to raise awareness about the risks associated with adulterated drugs.
A Call to Action
The discovery of Quetiapine (Seroquel) as an adulterant in illicit drugs is a serious concern for law enforcement. It highlights the evolving challenges in controlling the illicit drug market and protecting public safety.
Law enforcement agencies must be vigilant in recognizing and responding to this trend. Collaboration with forensic laboratories, medical professionals, and community partners will be essential in combating this threat.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q: What are adulterants?
A: Adulterants are substances that are added to a product, in this case, illicit drugs, to increase their quantity or enhance their effects. However, these adulterants can also carry various risks and dangers to the users. Other terms you may find familiar are "booster" and "cutter" or "cutting agent."
Q: What is Quetiapine (Seroquel)?
A: Quetiapine, commonly known as Seroquel, is a prescription medication used for the treatment of schizophrenia, bipolar disorder, and major depressive disorder. It is categorized as an atypical antipsychotic.
Q: Why is Quetiapine considered a toxic adulterant in illicit drugs?
A: Quetiapine is considered a toxic adulterant in illicit drugs because it is not meant to be used recreationally or without medical supervision. When added to street drugs, it can have serious adverse effects on users. Many dealers are adding it because it is easily available and does act as a "booster" for drugs like fentanyl and heroin.
Q: How are illicit drugs adulterated with Quetiapine?
A: Illicit drug manufacturers or dealers may intentionally add Quetiapine to their products to increase the sedative effects or give a false impression of potency. The drug can be crushed and mixed with other substances to create adulterated drugs.
Q: How can the presence of Quetiapine in illicit drugs be detected?
A: The presence of Quetiapine in illicit drugs can be detected through various drug testing methods, such as urine or blood screening. These tests can help identify the presence of the drug and its levels in the system. You may also find it in the field by using spectrometers like a Raman Spectrometer (TruNarc) or a Mass Spectrometer like the XM908.
Q: Why is it important for law enforcement to be aware of Quetiapine as a toxic adulterant?
A: It is important for law enforcement to be aware of Quetiapine as a toxic adulterant because it helps them understand the potential risks associated with illicit drugs and enables them to better protect the community from harm. They can also use this knowledge to investigate and identify sources of adulterated drugs.
Q: Are there any other toxic adulterants commonly found in street drugs?
A: Yes, besides Quetiapine, there are other toxic adulterants commonly found in street drugs. Some examples include levamisole, caffeine, diltiazem, phenacetin, and aminopyrine. These adulterants can pose various health risks and complications to users. The main adulterant right now for fentanyl is Xylazine.
Q: What are some signs of Quetiapine toxicity?
A: Signs of Quetiapine toxicity may include drowsiness, severe sedation, rapid heart rate, low blood pressure, confusion, and impaired motor coordination. If someone exhibits these symptoms after consuming suspected adulterated drugs, urgent medical attention should be sought.
Q: What actions can be taken to address the issue of Quetiapine as a toxic adulterant?
A: To address the issue of Quetiapine as a toxic adulterant, it is essential to raise awareness among law enforcement agencies, healthcare professionals, and the general public about the dangers and risks associated with adulterated drugs. Strengthening regulations, improving drug monitoring and surveillance systems, and collaboration between law enforcement and healthcare agencies can also help in combating the problem.