Police say there were recently four suspected heroin overdoses in a period of 24 hours.
The following information is on file with the Evesham Township Police Department:
The Evesham Township Police Department is warning residents of a possible “potential lethal batch” of heroin following a series of reported overdoses in Evesham.
Police say the release of this “public safety message” is due to four suspected heroin overdoses in period of 24 hours from Feb. 9 through Feb. 10.
The ETPD is urging people to be aware of the situation and to call 911 if they become aware of anyone experiencing an overdose.
Police are also reminding residents of the New Jersey Good Samaritan Fatal Overdose Prevention Statute, also known as The Overdose Prevention Act, which aims to encourage people to immediately call emergency or medical personnel if they suspect someone is overdosing from illegal or prescription drugs.
Through the law, police say a person who, in good faith, seek medical assistance for him or herself or someone else experiencing a drug overdose, is immune from being: arrested, charged, prosecuted or convicted for obtaining, possessing, using, being under the influence of, or failing to make lawful disposition of, a controlled dangerous substance or controlled substance.
According to police, drug overdose deaths are now the leading cause of accidental death in the United States, exceeding even motor vehicle accidents among people ages 25 to 64.
Often, however, police say medical assistance is not sought by those in need or their companions for fear of being arrested for use, possession or other drug-related crimes.
