The Vermont State Police and the Department of Health are warning heroin users to be aware of the proliferation of doses containing a mixture of heroin and fentanyl or, in some cases, pure fentanyl, a powerful narcotic that has caused numerous overdose deaths.
According to a news release, the fentanyl-laced heroin or pure fentanyl is being sold with various packaging, including:
• unmarked red and white glassine bags;
• sandwich bags;
• folded dollar bill;
• red devil with image of baby face in blue ink;
• “the king” with gorilla head;
• red superman image.
According to the Vermont Department of Health, fentanyl is an opioid drug that is up to 50 times more powerful than heroin. Even a very small amount of pure fentanyl, just a few grains, can stop one’s breathing.
Since 2014, fatal fentanyl overdose incidents have been reported in Burlington, St Johnsbury, Royalton and possibly Williston, a news release said.
Naloxone can be used to reverse the overdose effects but more may be needed when fentanyl is involved, the release said.
For more information about the health department’s naloxone pilot, click here.
