Massive Surge In Overdose Deaths In Fairfax County: Police

FAIRFAX COUNTY, MD -- Batches of heroin laced with fentanyl and farfentanil could be responsible for a sudden surge of overdose deaths in Fairfax County in the past week, police say.

Of six overdoses, five likely were caused by opioids. The first happened Dec. 1 in Alexandira, the second on Sunday in Fairfax County, the third and fourth on Wednesday in McLean and Clifton, and a fifth Thursday in Fairfax. The victims were between 22 and 34 years of age, according to a report from the Fairfax County Police Department.

Police are awaiting lab results to determine if these new batches of heroin are responsible for the surge in deaths.

"Until lab results are received, we cannot confirm the five overdose victims died due to a result of these new batches appearing in the county," the report states.

“In my 20 years in Narcotics, I have never seen anything like this. Before this week, the highest number of opioid overdoses we had in a weekend was five, and fortunately, everyone lived,” said Second Lt. James Cox of the Organized Crime and Narcotics Division. “We don’t want to see anyone else die. Please have a plan in place. You may remain anonymous. Help is also available through the Community Services Board for anyone, including families suffering from addiction. Narcan is available and the Chris Atwood Foundation will give it out this evening between 6 and 8 p.m. at 11890 Sunrise Valley Drive in Reston.”

There have been a total of 102 fatal overdoses in the county so far in 2017. About 70 percent of the deaths were from opioids.

If you believe you are experiencing an overdose, call 911.

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