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Remote-controlled aircraft drop spheres the size of ping-pong balls, filled with two compounds: potassium permanganate and glycol.

At the same time, the cartels are dealing with global disruptions in the production and importation of precursor chemicals, such as potassium permanganate, that are used in clandestine labs to refine the recreational drug.

The Albany Water Department says the coloration seen Saturday is the result of a pass through of sodium permanganate, a chemical used in the treatment process.

The “dragon egg” system consists of self-igniting plastic spheres filled with potassium permanganate.

A malfunctioning water treatment valve caused a substance called sodium permanganate to be released into the system, creating the temporarily purple hue.