Seven Dead of Suspected Heroin Overdoses in Minnesota

The Minnesota Bureau of Criminal Apprehension says at least seven people have died of suspected heroin overdoses over the past few weeks. 

Police say there were more than a dozen non-fatal overdoses as well. 

Authorities believe the heroin may be laced with other narcotics.  The BCA is working to identify the source of the drugs. 

Law enforcement agencies have reported overdoses in Hibbing, Virginia, Bemidji, Detroit Lakes, Cass Lake, Dillworth, Marble, Beltrami County and Mille Lacs County. 

In addition, law enforcement agencies have seized more heroin and are seeing a spike in sales across the state. 

Last year, 18 pounds of heroin were seized, which is a 125 percent increase from 2011. 

“Drugs are killing people across the state, causing a big burden in society for adults and especially youth,” said Brian Marquart, OJP statewide gang and drug coordinator, “We need to come together and report any drug activity so we can get the drugs out of the hands of dealers.”