Austin

Dozens Treated in Austin for K2 Drug Use

Investigators say emergency responders in downtown Austin have treated dozens of people who got sick after allegedly using synthetic marijuana.

Austin police on Thursday detained three people, pending formal charges, as part of the investigation into the overdoses of so-called K2. Lt. Kurt Thomas said he expects drug possession or distribution counts to be filed.

Austin-Travis County Emergency Medical Services on Wednesday began responding to reports of mainly homeless people suffering adverse reactions to K2.

The agency, through late Thursday, reported 45 incidents involving 52 patients being treated, including some transported to hospitals.

Some victims were found unconscious or having seizures.

Last summer, more than 60 people were sickened in Austin by K2 and later reported suffering seizures, convulsions and extremely violent behavior.

Copyright AP - Associated Press
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