Boulder police are investigating a troubling incident that unfolded Saturday night at the Kappa Sigma fraternity house, where six University of Colorado Boulder students overdosed on what authorities suspect was tainted cocaine.

The overdoses occurred during a party at the now-expelled fraternity’s off-campus house on Pennsylvania Avenue. Police were alerted between 10 and 10:30 p.m. and arrived to find several attendees showing severe symptoms of overdose.

Naloxone Saves Lives

Upon their arrival, officers immediately administered naloxone, a life-saving medication that rapidly reverses the effects of opioid overdoses. Thanks to swift action by first responders, all six students were stabilized and transported to the hospital.

The University of Colorado Boulder confirmed that the individuals involved were students. The university also noted that the Kappa Sigma house had been previously expelled from its fraternity affiliation and was operating independently.

A Potentially Tainted Batch of Drugs

Preliminary investigations suggest that the students ingested cocaine, potentially contaminated with dangerous substances. Alcohol consumption was also reported at the event, compounding the risks.

Authorities have not yet disclosed whether the drugs were laced with fentanyl or other substances, but the investigation remains active. Cases of adulterated drugs, particularly cocaine laced with opioids like fentanyl, have risen sharply across the United States in recent years.

A Rising Concern on Campuses

This incident underscores the increasing dangers of drug use among college students, especially in social settings like fraternity parties.

Key issues highlighted by experts include:

• The rise in laced drugs: Many recreational drugs are mixed with potent and dangerous additives, often without the user’s knowledge.
• The role of naloxone: Widely available in emergency settings, naloxone has proven critical in reversing overdoses, but its accessibility in college environments remains inconsistent.
• Alcohol’s role: The combination of drugs and alcohol can be deadly, exacerbating the effects of both substances.

Next Steps in the Investigation

The Boulder Police Department is working to trace the source of the drugs. Investigators are interviewing witnesses, collecting evidence from the scene, and analyzing the substances involved.

As of now, no arrests have been made, but authorities have issued warnings to the community about the dangers of drug use and the potential for contaminated substances in circulation.

Students Expected to Recover

Despite the severity of the situation, all six students are expected to survive, according to police. This outcome offers some relief, though the event serves as a sobering reminder of the risks associated with substance use.

The University of Colorado Boulder stated its commitment to supporting the students’ recovery and addressing broader issues of drug safety and education within the campus community.