Baltimore officials say no clear connection in 2 group overdoses, including one with 27 victims

Baltimore officials say the two recent mass overdoses in the same neighborhood – including one with 27 victims – do not appear to be connected.

The most recent occurred Friday when five people in the Penn North neighborhood were hospitalized, according to police. Two were reportedly in serious condition and two others refused further treatment after receiving Narcan. 

The incident follows one a week earlier in which 27 people in the neighborhood were hospitalized for the same reason, but officials have not found any evidence that shows correlation between the two events, according to CBS News.

Drug tests found the sedative N-methylclonazepam mixed with fentanyl in the area, according to the National Institute of Standards and Technology.

In the incident involving the 27 hospitalized victims, people in the surrounding area said that the drug was given out as a “tester to victims,” and is referred to as “New Jack City.” Officials have yet to confirm, but some speculate that this drug is laced with freon or antifreeze – which can poison people. 

"We understand that the supply across the city is very volatile right now," Baltimore Mayor Brandon Scott told CBS. "If you see someone who may be overdosing, help them. If you have Narcan, administer it. Call 911. Don't walk past anyone who may be experiencing an overdose."