Heroin

As the heroin and illegal drug epidemics continue to claim victims across South Jersey, civic leaders in Sea Isle City will be offering two free presentations to help combat the problem.

Despite efforts being made to raise awareness about its dangers, the heroin epidemic impacting South Jersey continues to grow.

The free event will be Oct. 18 at Jackson Liberty High School.

To help combat New Jersey's opiate epidemic, more than 2,000 volunteers will be in each of the state's 21 counties this Thursday to raise awareness about the link between prescription painkillers and heroin abuse rates.

Penalties for manufacturing or distributing fentanyl in New Jersey would double under a proposal gaining traction after Gov. Chris Christie on Tuesday issued an emergency order banning seven knock-off versions of the prescription drug used to treat terminal patients.

Hooked on heroin as a teenager, Ocean County resident Rich Wilder spent years in and out of prison.

If you haven't heard of the State Police Mobile Safe Freight Unit, they're credited with making three significant busts in August involving tractor trailers trying to smuggle drugs.

After being found in 49 non-lethal overdoses in Camden County, NJ State Police warn that users of the "Batman" brand of heroin can't be revived with Narcan.

Every Aug. 31 is International Overdose Awareness Day. Memorial walks, moments of silence and candlelight vigils will dot the globe from Canada to New Zealand.

And it may go even higher next year.