This morning we are working to learn more about a new, stronger batch of heroin in the Johnstown area.
Police tell us that on Tuesday seven people were admitted to Conemaugh Memorial Medical Center after using the batch.
Police believe the bags bought were stamped “bullet proof” or “head trauma.” We’re told another six cases were reported within the past week using the same batch.
There have also been several fatal overdoses linked to bags called “black ops.”
A recent report shows the number of Pennsylvanians admitted to the hospital for heroin overdoses has increased more than 162% in the last 15 years.
Today in Pittsburgh, United States Attorney David Hickton is holding a news conference to discuss these recent developments in Western PA regarding heroin use.
He says just in Cambria County 15 non-fatal overdoses have occurred since Monday and law enforcement is working to determine the source of the heroin batches.
He also says that the majority of the overdose victims have been saved with Naloxone, which is the drug used to reverse the affect of an overdose.
