Pubdate: Fri, 18 Aug 2006
Source: Missourian (MO)
Copyright: Washington Missourian 2006
Contact:  http://www.emissourian.com/
Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/3309
Author: Ed Pruneau
Bookmark: http://www.mapinc.org/heroin.htm (Heroin)

NARCOTICS UNIT REPORTS RASH OF DRUG OVERDOSES

Franklin County narcotics officers are working with federal agents in 
an attempt to track down the source of a powerful drug linked to at 
least 15 overdoses in Franklin County in the last few months.

Six Overdose

"We're experiencing a rash of possible heroin overdoses," Grellner said.

However, in many of those cases, investigators suspect that the drug 
Fentanyl, synthetic morphine, is involved. It is said to be about 80 
times more potent than morphine.

A 41-year-old Labadie man who died May 31 is the only confirmed death 
linked to the recent overdose cases. He was a known heroin user, Grellner said.

While there has been only one death, other victims have experienced 
serious medical complications, Grellner said.

Most of the overdoses have occurred in the northeastern part of 
Franklin County -- mainly in the Washington, Villa Ridge, Labadie and 
Pacific areas, Grellner said.

In some cases, heroin may be laced with Fentanyl, or persons may be 
buying pure Fentanyl thinking it is heroin, Grellner said. Fentanyl 
also may be mixed with other drugs like cocaine.

"As with all illegal narcotics, people have no idea what they're 
buying," Grellner said. "When you buy drugs off the street, you're 
taking your life in your own hands."

Grellner said in the late spring or early summer, authorities raided 
a lab in Mexico that was believed to be manufacturing Fentanyl illegally.

"We're working with the DEA (Drug Enforcement Administration) to 
trace it to the source. We believe it's been coming out of the St. 
Louis metro area," Grellner said of the drug showing up in this area.

Throughout the St. Louis region, more than 100 overdose cases have 
been linked to Fentanyl, according to reports.

The drug was first synthesized in the 1950s and was introduced into 
medical practice in the 1960s as an intravenous anesthetic. It now is 
used as a pain-killer for cancer patients.
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MAP posted-by: Beth Wehrman