UTICA, NY (WUTR/WFXV/WPNY) – Utica Police are warning residents of a dangerous chemical in synthetic marijuana.

Police put out a public safety alert regarding synthetic marijuana on Thursday, April 20. This was after investigations by the department of several overdose situations in the area.

Police say that it is believed the victims in each case consumed a synthetic marijuana containing benzodiazepine, a form of sedative found in Valium and Xanax, among others. In the cases mentioned, police found users — who did not know they had taken such drugs — experience slow or labored breathing and near unconsciousness.

The Special Investigation Unit of the Utica Police Department is currently working on a common link between the individuals. An investigation is forthcoming.

The department will release more information as soon as it becomes available.