(Credit: Hilltown Police)
Hilltown Township Police reported Wednesday that numerous drug paraphernalia in the form of small plastic baggies were found near Walnut and Noble streets and in the Sterling Knoll development on Monday and Tuesday.
A resident of Sterling Knoll called police about found baggies along the street near Walnut and Noble, police said.
On Tuesday, another resident reported finding additional baggies in the area of Main Street and Sterling Drive, police said.
On Wednesday, Hilltown investigators and Montgomery Township K-9 conducted a search of the Sterling Knoll development, including the playground.
Police said no items of drug paraphernalia were found on or near the playground. However, the extensive search uncovered more drug paraphernalia that was found and collected, police said.
The paraphernalia was brought back to police headquarters for further investigation.
No narcotics were found inside any of the baggies. At least one of the baggies had a folded paper labeled “TURBO,” according to a picture released by Hilltown authorities.
Out of an abundance of caution, Hilltown Police is advising all residents that if they ever come across similar drug paraphernalia or any other items they suspect may contain drugs, do not touch it.
Please contact 911 or the police non-emergency number at 215-453-6011, and an officer will respond and properly secure the item, police said.
There are certain controlled substances that can be harmful or potentially lethal to someone simply by touching them, inhaling their particles, or absorbing them through the skin:
Fentanyl
Fentanyl is a powerful opioid used medically for pain management but is also abused illegally. It is extremely potent — up to 100 times stronger than morphine. Even a small amount of fentanyl, particularly in powdered form, can be absorbed through the skin or inhaled, leading to overdose and potentially fatal respiratory depression.
Carfentanil
Carfentanil is an analog of fentanyl, primarily used as a tranquilizer for large animals like elephants. It is around 100 times more potent than fentanyl and 5,000 times more potent than heroin. Exposure to even a very small amount through skin contact or inhalation can be deadly. It's considered extremely dangerous for humans.
Dimethylmercury
While not a common recreational drug, dimethylmercury is a highly toxic compound that can cause severe neurological damage and death. Even tiny amounts of the substance absorbed through the skin (via direct contact or vapor) can be fatal.
Botulinum toxin (Botox)
Botulinum toxin is one of the most potent neurotoxins known and can be deadly in extremely small amounts. If improperly handled or ingested in large amounts, it can cause paralysis and death. The toxin works by blocking nerve function.
Ricin
Ricin is a highly toxic protein extracted from castor beans. It can be harmful if inhaled, ingested, or even through skin contact. Ricin inhibits protein synthesis in cells, leading to organ failure and death.
