Methadone poisons about 20 people in southern Russia, kills three
The Ministry of Health previously reported that from November 17 to November 20, 19 patients with signs of poisoning by narcotic and psychotropic drugs were admitted to City Clinical Hospital No. 3 named after S. M. Kirov
MOSCOW, November 20. /TASS/. Methadone has poisoned about 20 people in the southern Russian city of Astrakhan, killing three, a representative of law enforcement agencies told TASS.
"According to tentative data, people were poisoned after exposure to methadone. Examinations are now underway," the person said.
The people may have overdosed because they thought they were taking mephedrone, according to law enforcement agencies.
The Russian Health Ministry said earlier on Monday that 19 people were admitted to a hospital from November 17-20 as they exhibited signs of narcotic poisoning, with six of them in grave condition. The Interior Ministry said 20 people were poisoned.
Three nationals of Kyrgyzstan, Uzbekistan and Tajikistan were detained on suspicion of selling drugs, and two of them confessed to selling, according to officials. An investigation is underway.