Norco Painkillers Believed to be Linked to Five Deaths in Sacramento County

SACRAMENTO, CA: Five recent poisoning deaths in the county are believed to be connected to Norco pills possibly laced with fentanyl, Sacramento County public health officials said.

Sacramento County Public Health Officer Dr. Olivia Kasirye reportedly told the Sacramento Bee, “It’s an emergency. From what we’re being told from poison control officials, this is a spike in number of incidents in a short period of time.”

Norco, which is a combination of acetaminophen and hydrocodone, is used to treat pain. Fentanyl is a synthetic opiate analgesic also used for pain relief. When combined, officials say the result can be deadly, according to a report in the Bee.

Law enforcement and public health officials are not sure of the source of the pills but believe the deadly narcotics may have been purchased illegally on the street. Full Sacramento Bee story here.

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