Two NK Drug Deaths Linked To 12 Others Since March

The Rhode Island Department of Health has confirmed two additional deaths linked to Acetanilide, n-1-Phenethyl-4-Piperidyl — also known as acetyl fentanyl —an illegal synthetic opiate with properties similar to morphine. These most recent deaths, which bring the total number of deaths linked to this drug in Rhode Island to 14, occurred on May 26. On that date, two men who were taken from a house on Tower Hill Road in North Kingstown and subsequently died.

“While final cause of death is still pending further toxicology testing, it is anticipated that acetyl fentanyl will be a significant factor in these deaths,” said Health Dept. Director Michael Fine, M.D. Twelve other deaths have been attributed to acetyl fentanyl since March. Most of these people were from the northern Rhode Island area, and appear to have been intravenous drug users. The drug is not FDA approved, is not commercially available, and is not prescribed by physicians.

According to NK Police Chief Thomas Mulligan, the North Kingstown deaths remain under investigation. Police have, however, made one arrest in connection to the investigation. On June 4, they arrested James M. Pitassi, 26, of Tower Hill Road with one count of obstructing police in the execution of their duty. Mulligan said he provided false information to investigators. 

Mulligan said two women who were at the Tower Hill Road house on May 26 have invoked silence with regard to the investigation after initially saying they had little knowledge of what happened the evening of May 26. Two additional people are believed to have been at the house. Police continue to investigate the deaths.