West Palm Beach Police Investigate 3 Fatal Overdoses in a Single Day — Deadly Drug Batch Suspected

Police in West Palm Beach are urgently investigating three fatal drug overdoses that all occurred within 24 hours, raising fears that a particularly dangerous batch of synthetic opioids may be circulating in the city.

The three deaths happened Monday in different areas of the city — one near the airport, another downtown, and a third in the north end. All the victims were found in non-responsive states, and police say evidence at each scene points to drug use.

Deputy Police Chief Anthony Shearer addressed the public on Tuesday, calling the situation a community emergency. “This batch is lethal,” Shearer said. “We’ve already lost three lives, and we believe others may be at risk if this substance is not found and removed immediately.”

An undercover detective with the department’s Narcotics Division revealed that fentanyl and other synthetic opioids have been increasingly prevalent in recent months. “This is more than a spike—it’s a crisis,” the detective said, requesting anonymity due to active investigations. “We’re seeing stronger, deadlier variations of synthetic drugs than ever before.”

One of the voices sounding the alarm is Staci Katz, a local advocate and co-founder of the nonprofit Our Two Sons, which works with families affected by addiction. “It’s heartbreaking,” she said. “It feels like we’re losing people faster than we can save them. The trauma this causes in families never goes away.”

In response, the West Palm Beach Police Department is stepping up undercover operations and working closely with Crime Stoppers of Palm Beach County. They’re urging anyone with information about who is distributing the deadly drugs to come forward.

Authorities are also encouraging families to check in on loved ones who may be struggling with substance use and to carry naloxone (Narcan), a drug that can reverse opioid overdoses.

As toxicology results are pending, officials hope to trace the source of the drugs and prevent further loss of life. The investigation is ongoing.