• October 2, 2021
  • Posted by: Keith Graves
  • Category: Drug Trends
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The following alert was put out by MADDS in Massachusetts:

Synthetic Cannabinoid “ADB-BUTINACA” aka “ADB-BINACA” detected in Heroin/Fentanyl

Samples containing ADB-BUTINACA were detected across three jurisdictions in Massachusetts (Boston, Revere & Lawrence) from April 2021 to August 2021. The samples were sold as dope/heroin/fentanyl or Xanax bars. Nearly all contained fentanyl and 4-fluorofentanyl, a potent fentanyl analogue. ADB-BUTINACA is manufactured in clandestine laboratories and is not cut or packaged in a standard fashion. Potency varies widely for the end user.

ADB-BUTINACA mixed with fentanyl

Identifying ADB-BUTINACA

ADB-BUTINACA typically appears as a yellow powder and readily blends into other illicit street drugs.
• ADB-BUTINACA has been found in powders, pills, and drug residues.
• Synthetic cannabinoids like ADB-BUTINACA are usually sprayed onto plant material and smoked. In these cases, they were sold as street dope and people were injecting them. They can also be vaped or consumed orally.

Health Effects

Severe symptoms have been reported from synthetic cannabinoid exposure: seizures, acute kidney injury, heart attack, pulmonary edema, stroke, delirium, psychosis, rapid loss of consciousness, vomiting, and multiple organ failure.
• ADB-BUTINACA has resulted in multiple severe poisonings and death. Mixing synthetic cannabinoids with any drugs, particularly opioids or benzodiazepines, puts people at a higher risk of overdose.

ADB-BUTINACA

Editor’s Comments

Putting ADB-BUTINACA in fentanyl creates a dangerous combination for the user. Although this is a regional trend, it is one worth noting. Many substances are being mixed with fentanyl and vice-versa. To put it simply, no one uses just one drug anymore. Poly drug use is a common trend that won’t go away and we should just make note of it. 



Author: Keith Graves
Keith is a retired Police Sergeant, working his entire 29 year career in the San Francisco Bay Area. Keith is a recipient of the prestigious California’s Narcotics Officer of the Year Award and is a prior winner of MADD’s California Hero Award. He has years of experience as a Narcotics Detective and a Narcotics Unit Supervisor and is a Drug Recognition Expert Instructor (IACP #3292). Keith has developed several courses for the Department of Defense, California Narcotics Officers Association, and California POST, and numerous police agencies and private corporations. Keith has held other assignments besides narcotics including Training Sergeant, Patrol Sergeant, COPPS Officer, Traffic Officer, and 20 years as a SWAT Team member and Sniper Team Leader. Keith has taught thousands of officers and businesses around the world about drug use, drug trends, compliance training and drug investigations. Keith is also the founder of Christian Warrior Training, where he provides free resources and training to church security ministries. He is recognized as an international drug expert and has testified as an expert in court proceedings on drug cases, homicide cases and rape prosecutions. Keith earned a BA in Business Management from Saint Mary’s College of California and a MA in Criminal Justice. Keith is the Founder and President of Graves & Associates, a company dedicated to providing drug training to law enforcement, the Department of Defense, and private industry internationally. You can follow Keith on social media on Facebook (DopeCop and DrugEnforcementCops), twitter (DopeCop) and Instagram (DrugEnforcementCops).

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