Police Investigating Rash Of Heroin Overdoses
PITTSBURGH (KDKA) - Pittsburgh Police are investigating a rash of heroin overdoses in the city.
On Wednesday morning, police and paramedics responded to the report of an overdose in the bathroom of the Home Depot in East Liberty. Police say their have been up to 11 cases since 3 p.m. Tuesday.
KDKA's Amy Wadas Reports:
"So far, we have not identified a complete trend. We know the last five of course occurred in the Zone 3, Zone 6 area. So, right now, they're on the West End of Pittsburgh, and of course, the South End of Pittsburgh," Pittsburgh Police Commander RaShall Brackney said.
On Tuesday, officers first responded to Rinne Street in Arlington Heights, then the intersection of Madeline Street and Brownsville Road in Carrick and West Liberty Avenue in Brookline.
All but one of the victims survived.
According to police, some of the bags in this potent batch are labeled "Predator" and has the image of a shark on it. Last year, there was an outbreak of heroin laced with fentanyl labeled "Theraflu."
Investigators aren't sure whether the new stuff contains an additive or is just a stronger form of heroin to meet demand.
"We're using every means that we have to determine who our supplier is, particularly now that we have a fatal homicide, and that's what it is when you administer or sell or distribute drugs to a person that results in their death," said Commander Brackney.
U.S. Attorney for Western Pennsylvania David Hickton has been working to tackle this epidemic and is trying to pinpoint where it's coming from.
"Generally, it's coming from Mexico now. Most often it comes from highways here either from Detroit or New Jersey," Hickton said.
A new state law allows police and other first responders to administer a prescription drug called Naloxone or Narcan to anyone who appears to have overdosed. It could ultimately save a life.
"This is an illness. It's a chronic brain condition to be addicted," Hickton said.
Pittsburgh Police are working with Hickton and other officials so they can locate the direct origin in our area.
KDKA's Harold Hayes Reports:
Police say it's imperative to call 911 if you think someone may have overdosed on heroin. If you know anyone involved with heroin, it's very important to try and get them help.
Pittsburgh Police Homicide detectives, along with the Narcotics and Vice units are investigating.
The Pennsylvania Attorney General's Office has also announced that their Bureau of Narcotics Investigation will offer support in the investigation.
Attorney General Kathleen Kane said in a statement: "These overdoses offer more proof that heroin abuse continues to be a major concern across the Commonwealth. We will offer every resource available to investigate this matter."
Dr. Neil Capretto, the Medical Director of Gateway Rehab, joined "The KDKA Morning News" with Larry Richert and John Shumway to talk about the latest rash of overdoses in the area and the concern that a bad batch is out on the streets.
"When I hear of a rash like that, we get concerned (that there is) a 'bad batch' or something stronger, such as what we saw last year with the Theraflu, which actually is a chemical called fentanyl that is close to 100 times stronger than morphine that they mix with the heroin that can be quite deadly," he said.
Dr. Capretto also gave out a warning.
"For people who are using, get help now. It's a dead end street," he said.
Another thing he adds is for, "first responders, family members, even people that use," to try to get the opiate antidote Naloxone. He says that police are starting to carry it and that is saves lives.
Stay with KDKA for the latest on this developing story.
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