February 1

Dangerously strong heroin hits Portland streets

By David Hench dhench@mainetoday.com
Staff Writer

PORTLAND — Portland police say dangerously potent heroin has hit the streets of Portland resulting in numerous overdoses in the past two months, two of them fatal.

Police issued the warning Friday afternoon and asked the public to help them determine the source of the exceptionally strong batch of the drug.

Two Portland men died and 11 people needed life-saving medical treatment for non-fatal overdoses since Dec. 1.

Police note that heroin is never safe, but when doses are more potent than people anticipate, it can have deadly consequences.

Police asked that anyone with information call 874-8533 or submit an anonymous tip – text "GOTCHA" plus the message to 274637 (CRIMES) – or submit a tip through the Portland Police Department's website.

If someone suspects a person may be experiencing a heroin overdose they should call 911 immediately, police said.

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