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CHATHAM COUNTY, N.C. — Three people have died and 11 others injured after ingesting cocaine in Chatham County, according to the Chatham County Sheriff’s Office.

Deputies said the deaths occurred within hours of each other in the Siler City and Bear Creek areas of the county early Saturday morning. At least one person is said to be in critical condition.

Officials believe all of the victims were affected within one hour of ingesting the illegal drugs, according to deputies.

WTVD-TV is reporting that the cocaine was mixed with a powerful pain killer. The pain killer is suspected to be Fentanyl, which is 80 to 100 times more potent than morphine and many times more potent than heroin.

Authorities are working with local, state and federal agencies to determine what caused the deaths and who may be responsible.

Autopsies will be performed by the state medical examiner’s office. The investigation is ongoing.

The victims have been identified as Michael Currie, 42, of Bear Creek; Randal Welch, 24, of Franklinville and Perry Saunders, 23, of Aurora, Missouri.

“It is always difficult to lose a loved one, but especially hard during this season of the year,” said Chief Deputy Michael Roberson, in a prepared statement. “Our thoughts and prayers go out to each family.”