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.
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MAP posted-by: Beth Wehrman