POINT PLEASANT, N.J. (February 17, 2014) More than 80 people have died this year because of an increase in heroin laced with a powerful prescription painkiller.
The drug fentanyl is typically used to ease the pain of end-stage cancer patients or in anesthesia, but can kill quickly when coupled with heroin.
Authorities in New Jersey, Maryland, Pennsylvania and Rhode Island report that dozens have died in recent weeks.
Officials say dealers sell the heroin as a super high because fentanyl is so potent, but just a small amount can stop a user’s breathing.
As more people are turning to heroin because of crackdowns on prescription drugs, officials worry more may be exposed to fentanyl.
It's been in bags of heroin stamped with "Bud Light," ''Theraflu" and "Income Tax."
The last outbreak killed hundreds of people in 2006.
0 comments:
Post a Comment