VAN BUREN COUNTY, Mich. – Van Buren Community Mental Health and Van Buren/Cass District Health Department have received news of a fatal overdose from a somewhat new drug being called “purple heroin.” This is the first overdose in the state involving the drug.

Toxicology of the victim showed positive results for Fentanyl as well.

Brorphine, also known as “purple heroin,” is a synthetic opioid very similar to Fentanyl that was first reported in 2018. The two are thought to be equally dangerous.

As of mid-July 2020, testing shows seven other deceased individuals across the U.S. to have Brorphine in their system.

Samples seized by Michigan State Police have typically been grey in color, leading officials to question whether local dealers are turning it purple or if it is coming from out of state that way.

Officials are advising that naloxone, also known as Narcan, be used to treat people on Brorphine.

If someone you know is struggling with substance abuse, call Van Buren Community Mental Health at 269-655-3391 or Southwest Michigan Behavioral Health at 800-781-0353.