By Yepoka Yeebo
DNAinfo Reporter/Producer
MANHATTAN — Federal officials warned the NYPD about a new drug being aimed at children as young as nine that contains a deadly mix of heroin and Tylenol PM, according to a published report.
The new drug, nicknamed "cheese," sells for just $1 or $2 a hit and gives users a quick high followed by drowsiness.
"It's the makings of a recipe for disaster," John Gilbride, who heads the Drug Enforcement Agency's New York office, told the Daily News.
Dealers are branding packets with pictures of Mickey Mouse, Lady Gaga and the Lion King, the office of New York Special Narcotics Prosecutor, Bridget Brennan told the paper. Users of the drug sometimes need to snort the drug up to 15 times a day to stave off withdrawal, which can lead to overdoses.
Since finding the 9-year-old addict in Dallas in 2005, federal officials have been tracking the mix of Mexican black-tar heroin and over-the-counter sleep medication. The drug has been responsible for 20 deaths in the Dallas area.
Dallas father Dave Cannata told the News that even after rehab, his 16-year-old son, Nick, was still addicted.
"Parents need to be scared of this stuff," Cannata said.
