Pubdate: Thu, 06 Jul 2006
Source: News Journal (DE)
http://www.delawareonline.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20060706/NEWS/607060355/-1/NEWS01
Copyright: 2006 The News Journal
Contact: http://www.delawareonline.com/newsjournal/opinion/index.html
Website: http://www.delawareonline.com/newsjournal/
Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/822
Author: Andre L. Taylor
Bookmark: http://www.mapinc.org/heroin.htm (Heroin)

OVERDOSES REVIVE CONCERNS OF TAINTED DRUGS

Wilmington police announced three more heroin overdoses on Wednesday, 
bringing the total number of overdose cases in New Castle County 
since June 29 to at least 15.

Wilmington vice squad detectives are investigating the rash of heroin 
overdoses in the city and warning people to avoid the potentially deadly drugs.

A Drug Enforcement Administration task force was formed months ago to 
investigate distribution of a deadly batch of heroin mixed with the 
painkiller fentanyl that has killed users in the Delaware Valley and 
nationwide. In that task force, cases in Delaware are investigated by 
the DEA's Philadelphia office.

In the three newest cases, small plastic bags -- stamped "Omen," 
"Diesel" and "Hit & Run" -- were found near the victims, Master Sgt. 
James Gestwicki of Wilmington police said. All three victims were 
treated at area hospitals and released.

Federal agents were contacted about the rash of overdoses, city 
communications director John Rago said.

At least eight people in Delaware died between mid-April and mid-May 
from fentanyl-tainted heroin -- three in New Castle County on April 
25 alone. In the same period, nearly 30 died in Philadelphia and New 
Jersey. The lethal mix has killed at least 100 people from 
Philadelphia to Chicago in the past few months.