Theraflu

Law enforcement officers are looking for the source of a deadly form of heroin.

It's laced with fentanyl – a very powerful painkiller.

It's stamped "Theraflu" – or "Bud Ice" – although the name may change.

Tests confirm it's linked to more than a dozen deaths from drug overdoses here – maybe more.

It's not the first incident of tainted street drugs here –

But there is added urgency because so many people are at risk.

Heroin use is growing – in part because more people are abusing prescription painkillers.

Too many doctors were writing those scrips for anyone –

From kids to senior citizens –

For just about anything.

People get hooked – often without realizing it.

When the prescriptions runs out and can't be refilled –

And they can't afford to buy the drugs on the street –

Many turn to heroin because it's cheaper and easier to find.

Prescription drug abuse – and heroin use – are serious problems that need to be solved.

But the immediate need is to get the tainted heroin off our streets –

And to eliminate the source.

Hopefully investigators are close to doing just that.

In:
• Overdose