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Fentanyl to blame for a rash of suspected heroin overdoses: VPD

Heroin
The photo provided by Vancouver police shows a sample of the packaging and its contents, but investigators say it is very plausible for this drug to show up in any number of other packaging types, styles and material. Police handout

Vancouver police say a drug called fentanyl is to blame for a recent rash of suspected heroin overdoses.

Samples that have been sent to the lab for analysis came back indicating the very potent and potentially lethal drug was involved.

On Sunday, VPD issued a warning to local drug users after a woman has died and 31 people have overdosed on heroin in just two days. 

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The drug at work was initially believed to be high-grade heroin, but test results showed that the substance was in fact fentanyl.

Investigators say it is possible for this drug to show up in any number of packaging types, styles and material.

Drug users are urged to be extremely cautious and not consume drugs alone, but utilize the services of INSITE instead.

Anyone who sees someone appearing to be in medical distress is urged to call 9-1-1.

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