Pubdate: Wed, 19 Jul 2006
Source: Chicago Sun-Times (IL)
Copyright: 2006 The Sun-Times Co.
Contact:  http://www.suntimes.com/
Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/81
Author: Annie Sweeney, Crime Reporter
Bookmark: http://www.mapinc.org/heroin.htm (Heroin)

FENTANYL DEATHS DECLINE HERE, NATIONWIDE

Overdose deaths across the nation related to fentanyl, a powerful 
prescription pain-killer that has been pushed into the illegal drug 
supply, seem to be slowing, a federal official said Tuesday.

"We've seen a decline in the number of deaths. I won't say it's 
definitely over, but it looks like this fight is declining," said 
John P. Walters, the director of National Drug Control Policy.

Walters, who was in Chicago for a forum on teen drug use and 
technology, said the slowdown started a couple of weeks ago.

Fatal overdoses from heroin or cocaine laced with fentanyl have been 
reported in eight states. Fentanyl is hundreds of times stronger than 
morphine and heroin and can kill in an instant.

Deaths connected to fentanyl in Chicago were first reported in 
February. In Cook County, toxicology reports have so far linked about 
120 fatal drug overdoses to fentanyl.

Chicago Police said Tuesday that the deaths had slowed since June 
when local and federal authorities busted up a street-gang drug 
operation at the Dearborn Homes on the South Side.

"We shut them down completely," said Frank Limon, chief of organized 
crime for Chicago Police. "It had a dramatic impact."

About 10 people died around the start of the year from drugs that 
investigators believe were purchased at the Dearborn Homes. The 
deaths were the first major cluster to come to the attention of authorities.

An investigation into a Mexican lab suspected of manufacturing 
fentanyl also is continuing, Walters said. The lab was shut down in 
May and five people were arrested. Authorities suspect it could be 
the source of fentanyl coming into the United States.

Walters' office has also scheduled a national conference at the end 
of the month in Philadelphia to discuss how to help reduce a demand 
for heroin by getting help for addicts.
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MAP posted-by: Beth Wehrman