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New deadly opioid "Pink" making its rounds

Sen. Kennedy calling for state-wide ban on drug
Posted at 8:57 PM, Oct 24, 2016
and last updated 2016-10-24 20:57:55-04

Senator Tim Kennedy is calling for a state-wide ban on the sale and possession of a newly emerging synthetic opioid.

The U-47700 drug, colloquially called “Pink”,  has reportedly been responsible for 80 deaths across the country in nine months, according to Kennedy.  It can be found and sold in pill, powder, or mist form.  It’s linked to other deadly opioids like Fentanyl and heroin.

“Unfortunately, as we work to address our existing [opioid] crisis, a new deadly synthetic opioid that is reportedly eight times stronger than heroin has emerged, and can currently be purchased legally online,” Kennedy wrote Governor Andrew Cuomo in an open letter.

“While I will ask my colleagues to consider banning this harmful drug once back in session, I urge you to direct the Department of Health and the Public Health and Health Planning Council to issue emergency regulations expanding the list of prohibited drugs and chemicals to include U-47700,” Kennedy wrote.

Four states have already banned the drug.