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Fentanyl-laced lollipop linked to 1 of 5 overdoses during Tryon bull riding competition


JUNE 27, 2022 - Five drug overdoses happened Friday during the PBR Tryon Chute Out bull riding competition at the Tryon International Equestrian Center, the Polk County Sheriff’s Office said. (Photo credit: WLOS staff)
JUNE 27, 2022 - Five drug overdoses happened Friday during the PBR Tryon Chute Out bull riding competition at the Tryon International Equestrian Center, the Polk County Sheriff’s Office said. (Photo credit: WLOS staff)
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A fentanyl-laced lollipop has been linked to at least one of five drug overdoses that happened at the Tryon International Equestrian Center, according to the Polk County Sheriff’s Office.

The overdoses happened during the PBR Tryon Chute Out bull riding competition Friday, June 24, where approximately 4,000 spectators were in attendance.

A PBR spokesperson released the following:

The reported overdoses at the Tryon International Equestrian Center on Friday, June 24, were not affiliated with the PBR event held on the property and did not include any PBR staff or athletes.”

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A representative for Tryon International Equestrian Center declined to comment, but stated they were fully cooperating with the Polk County Sheriff’s Office in the investigation.

According to Chief Deputy Jeff Ramsey, all five overdose victims were aware they were purchasing drugs. He added that the general public is in no danger of coming across drug-laced candy. Investigators have several suspects and charges are pending. Ramsey said he believes all the overdose victims have been treated and released from the hospital.

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The Friday night overdoses came on the heels of three fatal overdoses in Polk County in May. The sheriff’s office suspects those, too, involved fentanyl.

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