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Bridgeport nonprofit combats deadly new drug wave

John Hamilton, head of the Bridgeport nonprofit Liberation Programs, says a new wave of deadly illegal drugs is entering Connecticut at an alarming rate.

Frank Recchia

Aug 23, 2026, 11:48 AM

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On the eve of National Recovery Month, local health leaders are issuing an urgent warning regarding an influx of highly dangerous illicit substances flooding the state.

John Hamilton, head of the Bridgeport nonprofit Liberation Programs, says a new wave of deadly illegal drugs is entering Connecticut at an alarming rate.

According to Hamilton, veterinary drugs like Xylazine are increasingly appearing in combination with fentanyl.

This specific mixture is highly toxic and can easily prove deadly, he said.

In response to the threat, Liberation Programs is deploying analysis services, fentanyl testing strips, and Narcan distribution.

However, Hamilton emphasized that community awareness remains the most critical line of defense.

"We're doing what we can, but we have to increase the sense of awareness," Hamilton said. "There are people out there that naive will purchase something and they don't know what they're purchasing."

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