Pubdate: Tue, 16 Aug 2005
Source: Chicago Tribune (IL)
Copyright: 2005 Chicago Tribune Company
Contact:  http://www.chicagotribune.com/
Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/82
Author: David Heinzmann
Bookmark: http://www.mapinc.org/heroin.htm (Heroin)

7 SICKENED BY ALLEGED FREE HEROIN

At least seven people fell ill today from apparent drug overdoses near a 
West Side public housing project, and police are seeking a man who 
allegedly was passing out free heroin samples in the area this morning.

Residents living near the Chicago Housing Authority's ABLA Homes, 1440 W. 
Hastings St., called police at 9:30 a.m. to report four people who had 
passed out on the sidewalk, authorities said.

Three men and one woman in their late 30s and 40s had just used heroin 
given to them free by a man in the area, police spokesman David Bayless said.

Police found at least three additional overdose victims in the area, and 
were investigating whether there were any others who became ill after using 
the drug, Bayless said.

Several of the victims reportedly were taken to local hospitals, where they 
were treated and released. None of the apparent overdoses were believed to 
be life-threatening.

Dealers often give away free samples to try to win new customers, police 
said. Investigators had identified a person they believe was giving away 
the drugs and were searching for him this afternoon.
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MAP posted-by: Beth