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Mass. officials warn of ‘concerning increase’ in overdoses linked to fentanyl-laced cocaine

By Frank O'Laughlin, Boston 25 News
Police warning of dangerous new substance used to lace heroin, fentanyl PHILADELPHIA, PA - JULY 31: Chris, a homeless heroin addict, mixes cocaine and heroin near a railway underpass in the Kensington section of Philadelphia which has become a hub for heroin use on July 31, 2017 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. Today was the first day of a long anticipated clean-up of one of the largest open air drug markets on the East Coast. Hundreds of outreach workers, city employees and Conrail workers started to clear an area of heroin users from a stretch of train tracks in Philadelphia's Kensington section known as El Campamento. Over 900 people died last year in Philadelphia from opioid overdoses, a 30 percent increase from 2015. As the epidemic shows no signs of weakening, the number of fatalities this year is expected to surpass last year's numbers. Heroin use has doubled across the country since 2010, according to the DEA, part of an epidemic of opioid abuse that began in the 1990s, when doctors began prescribing higher doses of powerful painkillers. (Photo by Spencer Platt/Getty Images) (Spencer Platt)
By Frank O'Laughlin, Boston 25 News

MILFORD, Mass. — Officials in Massachusetts are warning residents to beware of a “concerning increase” in overdoses linked to fentanyl-laced cocaine in recent months.

There have been 11 overdoses, one of which resulted in a fatality, in the town of Milford since January, according to the Milford Police Department.

“We are finding a concerning increase in the number of opioid-related overdoses among people who believed they were using cocaine,” Det. Sgt. Paul Pinto said in a statement. Det. Sgt. Carlos Sousa added, “In my interactions, many individuals believe they are only ‘recreational cocaine users’ but, they are hooked on fentanyl and do not realize it.”

Police reminded the public that fentanyl is 30 to 50 times stronger than heroin. It suppresses breathing, and at high doses, can cause a fatal loss of oxygen.

“Fentanyl is now in all different types of substances, whether that be cocaine, methamphetamine, fake pills, or vape cartridges,” officials said. “Assume it is in anything and everything.”

People who primarily use stimulants, like cocaine, may not have an opioid tolerance, making them more susceptible to fentanyl overdoses.

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