Four People Killed by Potent Narcotics in County; Dozens More Overdose

Los Angeles, California -

At least four people have died in Franklin County after taking a cocktail of lethal narcotics. Dozens more have suffered from opioid overdose because of the same potent substance. First responders administered Narcan, a medication that blocks the effects of opioids, especially in cases of overdose. In one particular person, the reversal drug had to be used three separate occasions within 36 hours. Rehab Near Me, values sharing news and happenings on the drug and addiction landscape.

In light of this, two people linked to bringing the potent opiates into the area have been arrested and authorities have identified a third suspect. The Multi-County Violent Crime and Narcotics Unit, along with the Washington police, executed a search warrant in the 1000 block of Karen Lane in Washington.

“We suspect this had Fentanyl in it, or a mixture of heroin and Fentanyl,” said Franklin County Sheriff Steve Pelton. “Or it is mixed with something else. I am interested to see the lab results.”

Suspects arrested and heroin seized at an alarming rate in 2019. During the search, a 27-year old St. Louis man and a 29-year old Washington woman were arrested. Suspected heroin was seized, according to Pelton. Later on, a 25-year old Washington woman was also arrested in connection to the distribution of the potent batch of drugs. For now, their names are being withheld, pending formal charges.

The suspected heroin has been sent for lab testing. The police suspect that it is from the same “hot batch” that has caused 13 overdoses in unincorporated Franklin County, as well as seven overdoses in Washington. Many of the overdoses occurred between December 26 and December 30. Three overdoses occurred at the Franklin County Jail. The names of the deceased were not released to the public.

“The high volume of recent heroin overdoses indicates the heroin entering our community seems to be very potent and possibly laced with Fentanyl,” Pelton said.

Overdoses considered ‘Unprecedented’ at this rate. Washington Fire Chief Tim Frankenberg said this is the most overdoses he has seen in his more than 23 years with the fire department. It is also worth noting that the country is in the midst of an opioid epidemic. “It is the most overdoses I’ve seen in one cluster than ever before,” Frankenberg said. “It is not a good mixture at all. The potency is obviously higher than ever before.”

Pelton agreed that the recent number of overdoses in such a short time frame eclipses past stretches of overdoses. This suggests that more potent narcotics are being distributed in the streets. Pelton believes that the addicted individuals may have received money for Christmas which funded the purchase of the drugs.

“We just got through Christmas and addicts were given money or gifts that could be exchanged for money,” Pelton said. “This is enabling addicts to get more drugs.”

Pelton then urged friends and family members to reach out to the heroin users. “This is some really potent stuff,” he said. “We encourage family members to tell them not to do it and to seek out help.” Rehab Near Me, wants everyone to seek help to free themselves from the bonds of addiction.

Right now, prescription opioids are still being given by doctors despite the opioid crisis, simply because these substances are still effective painkillers. Patients who truly need the medication will have to take them. If a loved one has been prescribed with opioid painkillers, it is important to take the medications as carefully as possible—be sure to follow the doctor’s prescription. Do not take larger doses, and do not take it more often than is necessary. Learn more about RehabNear.Me by clicking here.

As for the narcotics being sold in the streets, the authorities are taking the necessary steps to have them under control.

If someone in the family is addicted to narcotics, look for an addiction treatment facility nearby and learn more about how drug rehab programs work. The first step towards recovery is reaching out and seeking help.