Rash of Heroin Overdoses Reported in Sarasota

As Sarasota police find themselves investigating three recent suspected heroin overdoses, they’re issuing a warning about the dangers inherent with this particular drug.

Often mixed with other substances, heroin can be an especially deadly narcotic, officials say.

The recent rash of overdoses involved three separate incidents that occurred between July 10 and July 12. One involved a fatal overdose while victims in the two other cases survived. The three incidents took place within 72 hours of each other, police wrote in an email to media.

“Victims who survived have told officers they used heroin prior to overdosing,” the email said. “It’s unknown, at this time, what is being mixed with the heroin, if anything.”

Toxicology tests are being performed, but the results are not yet available.

The police department urges those who have family members or friends who use heroin to check on their well-being and share the potential risks associated with this drug’s use.

“Heroin use, specifically, is especially dangerous because those selling the drugs are cutting it with other unknown drugs in order to make a profit,” the email said.

In March 2015, the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration issued an alert about fentanyl and fentanyl-laced compounds. This substance is commonly cut into heroin, the police department said. Heroin itself is sold in powder form and is usually white, off white or brown in color. The drug is snorted, injected or smoked. The fast-acting opiate can give users a temporary sense of euphoria.

Signs of heroin use may include:

• Vomiting and scratching
• Slurred speech
• Constipation or nausea
• Failure to eat
• Neglectful self-care
• Wearing long sleeves to cover arms

Anyone who has information about others who distribute heroin is asked to contact the police department at 941-316-1199. Anonymous tips may also be submitted to Crime Stoppers by calling 1-941-366-8477,

“A phone call could save the life of a loved one and help to remove this drug from our streets,” the police department’s email said.

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