A 'terrible epidemic': Heroin overdoses on the rise across the region

BEMIDJI—Bemidji is at the epicenter of a deadly heroin wave responsible for seven deaths and more than a dozen non-fatal overdoses in north central Minnesota over the past few weeks—evidence of an epidemic that law enforcement say has been intensifying over the past few years.

And now a new batch, possibly laced with a narcotic, is being blamed for making an already dangerous drug even more volatile. It was the impetus for a press conference with state and local law enforcement Wednesday in Bemidji as they try to address a problem that is seemingly boundless.

"Drugs are killing people across our communities, and it's one of the biggest burdens on society, on our adults and especially on our children," said Brian Marquart, statewide drug and gang coordinator for the Minnesota Office of Justice Programs.

http://www.bemidjipioneer.com/news/local/3988516-video-terrible-epidemic-heroin-overdoses-rise-across-region