Heroin overdoses increase 62% in 2017

From the Orange County Sheriff's Office

Recognizing a significant increase in heroin overdoses, Orange County Sheriff Jerry L. Demings is warning and reminding citizens of its danger. “People who buy illegal drugs are playing Russian Roulette with their lives,” says Sheriff Demings, “they have no idea what the drugs are cut with or their potential potency.”

OCSO narcotic agents have informed the Sheriff that from January 1^st through February 15^th of this year there have already been 101 drug overdoses compared with 63 this time last year, a 62% increase. Of the 101 drug overdoses, 70 are heroin-related compared with 28 during the same period last year, this is a 150% increase.

Overdose deaths have decreased 56% over the same time period; swift deputy response and the use of Narcan have likely prevented many deaths. Since July 1, 2016, OCSO deputies have used Narcan 55 times.

Sheriff Demings counsels, “stay away from illegal drugs, they could very likely kill you.”