Dozens overdose on synthetic drug in St. Louis

ST. LOUIS -- Authorities said dozens of people have been treated in downtown St. Louis over the past several days after apparently overdosing on a synthetic cannabis-like drug.

St. Louis fire chief Dennis Jenkerson said most of the people appeared to be homeless.

Jenkerson said 18 people were treated Monday, eight people were treated Tuesday, and more were treated Wednesday, the St. Louis Post-Dispatch reported.

Authorities said some were found standing and walking around in a confused state, and others were found lying in the streets and on sidewalks.

"People were standing and walking around like zombies," Jenkerson said. "They didn't know what they were doing or where they were at."

Mayor Francis Slay's chief of staff, Mary Ellen Ponder, said police and other city officials have talked with some of those who overdosed and believe they have a strong lead on who sold the drugs.

The city ordered the Rev. Larry Rice's New Life Evangelistic Center to close Wednesday; however, Rice is planning an appeal for the shelter.

Jenkerson said many of the people were found near the center.

"Somebody is preying on the most vulnerable people in society," Rice said. He added he's talked with his clients about avoiding the substance.

James Tyler Pennick, who stays at the shelter, told the newspaper people who are on probation are more susceptible to using the drug because they don't want to test positive for marijuana use.

"The drug is everywhere," Pennick said. "A lot of homeless people have drug problems. I am sure this stuff is very cheap."

St. Louis police Lt. James Joyner said Wednesday the "bad batch" of the substance was being sold for $1 per rolled cigarette.