CAIRO — The Grady County Sheriff’s Office is warning residents that potentially laced drugs are being distributed in the county that may have fatal consequences, and they’re encouraging people to use caution if they come into contact with any illegal substances.

Authorities suspect that a drug, possibly methamphetamine, has been laced with an unknown powerful substance, though those suspicions are unconfirmed.

“We encourage everybody not to use at all, but especially if you’re not aware of the substance, please don’t have contact with any of this stuff,” said Capt. Chris Luckey.

Residents who have any information are encouraged to contact the sheriff’s office.

If investigators’ suspicions are correct, the laced drugs may have claimed the life of at least one Grady County resident.

A 38-year-old white male whose name has been withheld by authorities was found unresponsive in the backyard of his Cain Road residence several weeks ago.

By the time first responders arrived, the man was dead.

Investigators are still waiting for the results of a toxicology report, but they have reason to believe that the drugs the man ingested were somehow tainted.

In a separate incident, a white female in her mid-20s suffered a near-fatal overdose several weeks ago. The victim, whose name also has been withheld by authorities, was transported to Grady General Hospital where she was successfully revived.

Law enforcement has reason to believe the two incidents are connected, and they are investigating to establish a connection, if any.