Pubdate: Sun, 11 Jun 2006 Source: Metrowest Daily News (MA) Copyright: 2006 MetroWest Daily News Contact: http://www.metrowestdailynews.com/ Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/619 Bookmark: http://www.mapinc.org/heroin.htm (Heroin) Note: MAP archives articles exactly as published, except that our editors may redact the names and addresses of accused persons who have not been convicted of a crime, if those named are not otherwise public figures or officials. ASHLAND DRUG BUST HIGHLIGHTS 'KILLER DRUG ASHLAND -- Following a heroin-related arrest Friday night, police are alerting the public to the possible emergence of a new "killer drug" combination that is putting heroin users in added danger. Acting Police Chief Scott Rohmer released a statement yesterday saying a new drug has started to appear in several Northeast states, a combination of heroin and fentanyl. The painkiller fentanyl is considered at least 50 times more powerful than morphine, and some estimates put it at 80 to 100 times more potent. Rohmer said the town has had couple of medical emergencies recently that may have fit the pattern of a heroin-fentanyl overdose. Use of the drug can lead to irregular heartbeats, the inability to breathe, or death, the statement said. The department said it is investigating those medical emergencies, and is also testing for the combination in heroin seized in Friday night's arrest. [Name redacted], was arrested shortly after 8 p.m. and charged with heroin possession and distribution. The arrest took place on Union Street. - --- MAP posted-by: Beth Wehrman