POINT PLEASANT, N.J. – U.S. authorities say more than 80 people have died this year due to an increase in heroin laced with a powerful prescription drug.
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 say 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 someone’s breathing.
As more people are turning to heroin because of crackdowns on prescription drugs, officials worry more may be exposed to fentanyl.
The last outbreak killed hundreds of people in 2006.
- Windows shattered, property damaged as May Day protests turn violent in Montreal
- Canada’s most wanted fugitive arrested in P.E.I. over Toronto homicide
- 4th youth charged with murder in killing of 16-year-old outside Halifax mall
- What we know — and don’t — in Ontario’s deadly Highway 401 police pursuit crash
Comments