Police Urge Caution Amid String Of Drug Overdose Deaths

WOBURN, MA — Police are encouraging people to check in on addicts in their lives and to make sure to carry Narcan, after a string of drug overdose-related deaths in the area. There have been four or five overdose deaths in the Woburn-Lowell area within the last week and a half, said Woburn Police Chief Robert Rufo. He attributed the sudden increase in overdose rate to drugs like heroin and cocaine laced with a particularly potent strain of fentanyl, a synthetic opioid.

"There's a bad batch of drugs out there," said Rufo. "Fentanyl-laced drugs in other opiates have been occurring for months. I think they're all ware of it. But fentanyl is synthetic, and as it's produced you get varying doses. This happens to be a very potent dose of fentanyl-laced narcotics."

Rufo named Lowell, Burlington, Billerica and Woburn as towns where the "bad batch" poses a concern.

"We have remained vigilant and aggressive in pursuing drug dealers," Rufo underscored. The department is a core member of the Southern Middlesex Regional Drug Task Force, and collaborates with neighboring towns on drug investigations.

But he encouraged addicts and their family to be careful.

"Continue the process of seeking treatment from the addiction," the chief said. "We encourage families to check on their loved ones, to have Narcan present."

Narcan is a brand name of naloxone, a medication that can reverse the effects of opioid overdoses, saving lives. The police department does not carry Narcan, but Woburn firefighters do, Rufo said.

Christopher Huffaker can be reached at chris.huffaker@patch.com and 412-265-8353.