Hamilton County coroner warns of dangerous new drug recently discovered in death investigation

HAMILTON COUNTY, Ind. — The Hamilton County Coroner is warning people about a dangerous new synthetic drug discovered in Fishers.

The warning stems from a death investigation on Yard Street in Fishers.

In mid-July, 39-year-old John Bolton died from a suspected overdose.

For the first time in Hamilton County, the coroner said nitazene was found in the victim’s system and may have played a role in that death.

“The problem with nitazene is it’s a thousand times more powerful than morphine,” said Hamilton County Coroner Jeff Jellison.

Jellison said nitazene can also be 60 times more potent than fentanyl.

That potency is why in January of this year, the DEA listed nitazenes as an emerging threat nationwide.

“Right now is a very dangerous time because of these new emerging drugs and how powerful they are,” said Jellison.

Nitazene is a synthetic opioid falsely marketed as a prescription medicine like Oxycodone or Adderall and often sold from overseas pharmacies.

The drug can be used in pill form, as well as in powders, nasal sprays and vape liquid.

Nitazene was initially developed as a substitute for morphine in the 1950s but was never approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration.

“They think they’re getting Adderall and they’re getting a poison,” said Jellison.

“The messaging has to be this is the worst time to use drugs,” said Mike Gannon, DEA assistant special agent in charge.

Gannon said cases like this illustrate why they’re serious when they say one pill can kill.

“The most commonly used drugs they’re sneaking fentanyl or in this case nitazene in are pills that look like Adderall, M-30 or Xanax, so you do not know what you’re getting,” said Gannon.

“If you’re purchasing medication or pills that weren’t prescribed by your doctor, you’re running a risk and it’s a risk that could put you on my autopsy table,” said Jellison.

If a person suspects that someone is experiencing an overdose, officials said they should call 911 immediately and administer Narcan.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to Fox 59.