Two Dead, Dozens Overdose From Heroin Use in South Jersey

The Atlantic County Prosecutors Office continues to alert the public to a very high number of heroin overdoses in the region over the past few days.

An unusually high number of suspected heroin overdoses have occurred since this past weekend. The prosecutors office says at least a dozen people were treated last weekend in Atlantic County with approximately 20 more treated at three hospitals that serve the region. Two fatalities have recently been reported, both linked to heroin use.

Two different stamped brands were found at some of the overdose scenes. One was stamped with "1 Stop" in purple lettering and a second brand was stamped "hunger games."

County Prosecutor Jim McClain reminds the public that New Jersey’s Overdose Prevention Act ensures that those who seek help for themselves or others experiencing an overdose is immune from arrest, charges, prosecution, or conviction “for obtaining, possessing, using, being under the influence of, or failing to make lawful disposition of,” drugs.

Anyone with information that may help authorities locate the source of the heroin is asked to call 909-7666. Anyone who sees someone in medical distress should immediately call 911.