24-05-2025
Erie law enforcement warning of new deadly chemical found in street drugs
A new industrial-grade chemical, BTMPS, also known as Tinuvin 770, has been found in street drugs in Western Pennsylvania, prompting the Erie County District Attorney's Office to raise awareness about its dangers.
The chemical, typically used as a protective coating on plastics, is reportedly being used as a cutting agent in fentanyl.
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'Fentanyl is an already dangerous drug. These additives, these cutting agents that they're putting into it, are making an extremely deadly drug even more deadly,' said Rick Lorah, Deputy Chief of the Erie Police Department.
Tinuvin 770 is categorized as both corrosive and a health hazard. According to the American College of Medical Toxicology, ingestion of the chemical can lead to infertility, damage to unborn children, serious skin irritation, and vision damage. Drug task forces and experts believe that Tinuvin is being used as a filler in fentanyl because it is a cheap, white powder. This has raised concerns about its impact on overdose reversal efforts, as the substance has been shown to prevent the effectiveness of Narcan.
Rick Lorah noted that Erie's role in the drug chain has evolved, with drugs now coming from the southern border instead of through traditional routes like Cleveland, Pittsburgh, and Buffalo. He also mentioned that much of the fentanyl has been traced back to China. Local, state, and federal agencies, including the EAGLE task force, are actively working to remove these dangerous drugs from the streets. Lorah highlighted that fentanyl was a major factor in recent drug busts and arrests, underscoring the nationwide scope of the problem.
The presence of Tinuvin 770 in street drugs was first noted in August of last year and has since been found in 14 different states across the country.
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The discovery of Tinuvin 770 in street drugs highlights the ongoing challenges law enforcement faces in combating the opioid crisis. Efforts to address this issue continue at multiple levels, with authorities striving to mitigate the impact of these dangerous substances on communities.
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