Reddit's AI chatbot, Reddit Answers, suggested users try heroin and kratom for pain management, highlighting concerns over dangerous and inappropriate advice generated by AI trained on user data, with warnings about the risks associated with kratom and the potential harm of such suggestions.
Two men in New York have been charged with distributing fentanyl-laced heroin that led to the death of transgender activist Cecilia Gentili. The suspects, Michael Kuilan and Antonio Venti, face felony charges related to drug distribution and possession, with Kuilan also charged with firearm possession. Gentili, a prominent figure in the New York transgender community, died from a lethal combination of fentanyl, heroin, xylazine, and cocaine. Prosecutors allege that Venti sold the laced heroin, allegedly supplied by Kuilan, to Gentili. Both men are expected back in court on April 22.
Two men have been charged with supplying fentanyl-laced heroin that led to the death of Cecilia Gentili, a prominent transgender activist and actress. The indictment accused Michael Kuilan, 44, and Antonio Venti, 52, of providing the drugs. Ms. Gentili's cause of death was disclosed for the first time, sparking an outpouring of grief from the L.G.B.T.Q. community and leading to a politically charged funeral at St. Patrick’s Cathedral. The United States attorney for the Eastern District of New York emphasized the public health crisis posed by fentanyl and pledged to pursue justice for those affected by the lethal drug.
Buddy Duress, a former homeless heroin dealer who found fame as an actor in New York's film scene, has died at 38 from cardiac arrest caused by a drug cocktail including heroin. Despite gaining recognition for his performances in movies like "Heaven Knows What" and "Good Time," his reckless behavior hindered his career, leading to frequent jail time and missed opportunities.
Synthetic opioids called nitazenes, stronger than heroin and fentanyl, have been linked to at least 54 deaths in the UK in the past six months. Experts believe these drugs are being manufactured in labs in China and then imported into the UK. The true number of deaths could be higher, as 40 more cases are awaiting further testing. The UK government plans to classify 15 new synthetic opioids as Class A drugs. Users have reported the shockingly strong effects of nitazenes, with some dealers selling heroin laced with nitazenes as "fentanyl." Families affected by these deaths are calling for government intervention, warning of a potential epidemic.
A former NYPD officer, Grace Rosa Baez, has been arrested and charged with selling fentanyl and heroin while on duty. Federal prosecutors allege that Baez and her roommate, Cesar Martinez, negotiated drug deals with a confidential source, offering to sell kilogram quantities of fentanyl, heroin, and cocaine. Baez was caught handing over a plastic candy container containing heroin to the source. Law enforcement officers also discovered a kilogram press machine and additional suspected narcotics in their apartment. Baez had been under investigation since 2020 and was placed on modified duty before resigning.
A female NYPD officer, Grace Rose Baez, was arrested for allegedly selling large quantities of narcotics, including fentanyl and heroin, while on duty. Baez, who boasted about loving her job, was caught in a narcotics sting operation after offering a sample of "top quality" fentanyl to a federal informant. She and her accomplice, Cesar Martinez, face charges of conspiracy to distribute narcotics and distribution of narcotics. Baez, who had been on modified duty since 2020 due to misconduct allegations, was suspended without pay following her arrest. The NYPD commissioner expressed concern over the corruption within the department and emphasized that there is no place for such behavior.
Mike, a young and handsome commercial fisherman from New Jersey, represents the complex reality of addiction in the state. Despite having a well-paying job, he has been addicted to heroin since he was 15. Mike's story highlights the challenges faced by individuals suffering from opioid use disorder, as well as the high rates of addiction among workers in industries such as commercial fishing. He struggles with anxiety, legal problems, and the constant temptation to use. While fishing provides him solace and a sense of identity, it also poses risks and challenges in managing his addiction. Mike's story sheds light on the ongoing toll of the opioid epidemic in New Jersey and the need for more support and harm reduction strategies.
A man was arrested on drug distribution and weapon charges after a traffic stop in Groton, New York. The police discovered a significant amount of cocaine and heroin during the search of the vehicle. Subsequent searches at the suspect's home revealed more drugs and several guns. The man is facing multiple felony charges and was awaiting arraignment.
Law enforcement authorities in Sussex County arrested Eric Davis and seized over 26,000 bags of heroin, along with crack cocaine, drug paraphernalia, and cash believed to be proceeds from drug dealing. The arrest took place during a specialized operation targeting an area known for drug-related activities. Davis faces multiple felony charges and has been remanded to Sussex Correctional Institution on a $100,000 cash bond.
Researchers at the University of Montana and their partners are nearing human trials for vaccines aimed at preventing fentanyl and heroin overdoses. The vaccines, which use patented adjuvants, are designed to neutralize targeted opioids while sparing medications used for addiction treatment. The first round of human trials is set for early 2024, targeting heroin first, followed by fentanyl. With over 106,000 U.S. drug overdose deaths reported in 2021, these vaccines could offer a lifeline to those struggling with opioid addiction or at risk of accidental overdose.
A new vaccine targeting fentanyl and heroin overdoses is set to enter human trials in early 2024. The vaccine, administered through multiple injections, aims to teach the immune system how to prevent opioids from cutting off oxygen to the brain during an overdose. The fentanyl vaccine, different from the antidote Narcan, would neutralize the chemical with antibodies while it is still in the bloodstream. Fentanyl, a synthetic opioid, is responsible for a significant number of drug overdose deaths in the US. The vaccine's effectiveness and safety will be evaluated through gradual escalations of vaccine dosage in Phase 1 trials, followed by Phase 2 and Phase 3 trials.
Researchers at the University of Montana and their partners are preparing for Phase 1 human trials of vaccines aimed at preventing fentanyl and heroin overdoses. The vaccines, expected to start trials in 2024, would provide protection for individuals struggling with drug addiction or at risk of accidental overdose. The team aims to establish safety and efficacy in these trials before advancing to a combined multivalent vaccine targeting both heroin and fentanyl. The vaccines are designed to neutralize the target opioids while sparing critical medications used in addiction treatment and overdose reversal.
Drug dealer Irvin Cartagena has been sentenced to 10 years in prison for selling fentanyl-laced heroin to actor Michael K. Williams, known for his role in "The Wire," who died of an overdose in 2021. Despite knowing about Williams' death, Cartagena and his co-conspirators continued selling the potentially lethal drugs. Cartagena is one of four men associated with the drug-trafficking ring. Another member, Carlos Macci, was previously sentenced to 30 months in prison. Williams died while filming "Lovecraft Country."
A New York City drug dealer, Irvin Cartagena, has been sentenced to 10 years in prison for providing fentanyl-laced heroin to actor Michael K. Williams, known for his role in "The Wire," which resulted in Williams' death. Cartagena pleaded guilty to conspiring to distribute drugs and admitted that some of the drugs he sold led to Williams' overdose. Williams purchased the drugs from Cartagena on a Brooklyn sidewalk, and the transaction was recorded by a security camera. Cartagena faced a minimum of five years in prison and could have received up to 40 years.