Hamilton Co. warns of overdose spike from KD drug that uses bug spray chemical

NOBLESVILLE, Ind. — Authorities in Hamilton County are issuing a public health alert after a spike in overdoses connected to a street drug.

Hamilton County Coroner Jeff Jellison said a substance known as “KD” has been linked to recent severe and life-threatening effects on users. 

The coroner said KD is being laced with common insecticides and sprayed onto substances like tobacco and marijuana. When people smoke the material, it results in a “toxic and unpredictable chemical reaction in the body,” Jellison said in a press release.

“This is an incredibly dangerous practice,” Jellison said. “The pyrethroids in bug sprays are not meant for human consumption, and when inhaled, they can lead to catastrophic health effects.”

Jellison said there is overdose and death risks even in the ingestion of small doses and that KD users often exhibit “zombie-like” symptoms, including inability to walk, speak, or properly breathe, unresponsiveness or catatonic states and muscle rigidity and disorientation.

If you or someone you know is experiencing any of these symptoms after using suspected KD-laced substances, call 911 immediately.

Jellison encouraged the public to report suspected drug activity to authorities and urged parents and caregivers to have conversations with youth about the risks associated with synthetic drugs.

Public health and safety officials say they will continue to monitor the growing trend and work with law enforcement, healthcare providers and community organizations to respond.