• A 27-year-old woman in Warwick, Rhode Island, died after consuming marijuana likely laced with fentanyl.
• The marijuana was purchased from an unregulated source, according to police.
• Warwick police are urging the public to be cautious when purchasing marijuana from unregulated sources.

WARWICK – The Warwick police are warning the public after a 27-year-old woman died after unknowingly consuming marijuana apparently laced with fentanyl.

She was found unresponsive in Warwick after consuming marijuana that wasn't purchased from a licensed dispensary, the police said. She was pronounced dead despite lifesaving efforts, the police said.

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The police said the preliminary investigation indicates the marijuana was contaminated with fentanyl, a powerful synthetic opioid that can be lethal even in small amounts.

The overdose happened at 2:34 a.m. Thursday at a Warwick hotel, the police said, although they declined to name the hotel or provide an exact address.

The police are investigating the source and urge "the public to exercise extreme caution when purchasing or using marijuana from unregulated sources."

"As our investigation continues, we are working to determine whether this is an isolated incident or part of a larger trend," Capt. Daniel DiMaio said.

Editor's note: This story has been updated to include additional information