PORTLAND, Maine (WGAN) Portland police say five deaths that occurred since January 9th have been attributed to drug use.
The department says the deaths of several people, a 49-year-old female, 22-year-old male, 24-year-old male, 35-year-old female and a 24-year-old male, were caused by drug use, with one of them being an intentional overdose.
Police have responded to 11 overdoses since January 2nd, nine of which are believed to have resulted from the use of heroin or fentanyl, while the other two were caused by meth and synthetic marijuana.
“This is a concerning spike we felt necessary to advise the public about so that users and families know what resources and help are available to them,” said Portland Police Chief Frank Clark. “We will continue to work with our law enforcement, public health, and prevention partners in hopes of turning the tide on this epidemic.”
Police say that anyone who suspects someone else may be overdosing should check for the symptoms, including unresponsiveness, blue lips or fingernails, slow or no heartbeat, and pale or clammy skin. They advise anyone who suspects an overdose to call 911 immediately.
