Fighting the Heroin Epidemic

Law enforcement looks for public's help in dealing with the heroin issue.

Law enforcement officials have called heroin an epidemic affecting nearly every Minnesota community.

Seven heroin-related deaths over just the last few weeks have caused police and other agencies to ask for the public’s help in dealing with the problem.

In 2015, agencies seized eighteen pounds of heroin which equates to about 82,000 doses.

Now officials will treat each overdose as a crime scene.

They will even charge dealers with third degree murder. Many heroin users start by abusing prescription drugs.

The purity levels of heroin found in Minnesota are higher than they’ve ever been and sometimes they’re also laced with other narcotics.

 “Drugs are killing people across our communities, it’s one of the biggest burdens on our citizens and especially our children. We need to get them out of the hands of dealers,” said OJP Statewide Gand and Drug Coordinator Brian Marquart.

Getting rid of the problem is no small task. Symptoms include dark circles under the eyelids, paleness, and going at great lengths to cover their arms.

Many police officers across the area are carrying Narcan. It’s almost like an antidote that could possibly save someone from an overdose.

Officials went on to say one death or one overdose is one too many.