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Police: Fake Xanax blamed for 2 deaths

FORT WAYNE, Ind. (WANE) – The Fort Wayne Police Department Vice and Narcotics detectives are investigating overdose cases involving at least two people who have died after ingesting what appears to be fake Xanax.

Police were notified Thursday of the latest overdose case when an 18-year-old was hospitalized. Investigators said he reported having taken a Xanax, however it didn’t test positive for the drug. He was last listed as stable at the hospital.

Authorities said in the last 16 days there were two other drug overdoses involving the same drug; those cases resulted in death.

Police said in those situations, pills at the scene appeared similar to 1.0mg Xanax pills. Investigators said they were most likely synthetic benzodiazepine manufactured to look like Xanax.

FWPD said the synthetic benzodiazepine appears similar in shape, size and color to Xanax.

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