Warning issued about tainted drugs in Ocean County

A warning has been issued about tainted heroin being sold in Ocean County with a "Hello Kitty" sticker on the package.

Ocean County Justice Complex in Toms River (Tom Mongelli, Townsquare Media NJ)

Ocean County Prosecutor Joseph Coronato issued the alert after an 18-year-old Stafford man was found dead on the floor of his bedroom, his body surrounded by several wax folds stamped with a "Hello Kitty" character.

In a statement, Coronato warns that the Ocean County lab found toxic elements including Fentanyl in the heroin used by the unidentified man that may have led to his death.

Fentanyl is a drug prescribed by doctors to manage moderate to severe pain and is often used when other painkillers have failed, according to WebMD. The website warns users to dose exactly as prescribed by a doctor as patients "could have serious problems that can lead to death."

The Ocean County Prosector's Office asks anyone with information about anyone selling the “Hello Kitty" heroin stamp or about possible dealers should contact their Special Operations Group at 732-929-2027, ext. 3235.