It’s called “Hollywood heroin,” but the flashy name hides a lethal danger. It’s a batch of heroin that Massachusetts officials claim has taken the lives of eight people in about a week. Overdosing from heroin isn’t uncommon, neither are deaths associated with taking heroin.
What’s so chilling about Hollywood heroin is that, according to CNN , officials have yet to determine exactly why this brand so fatal when compared to other strains of heroin. Police speculate that this type of heroine could be mixed with toxic chemicals. Other officials believe the drug might be so pure, it’s easier for users to overdose accidentally. One component of the Hollywood heroin batch that’s been positively identified is fentanyl, a “powerful opioid” typically used in medicine to treat severe pain.
WCVB reports that Worcester County District Attorney Joseph D. Early Jr. issued a warning to the public about the lethal Hollywood heroin strain on Monday.
Thus far, the fatal overdoses are concentrated in Holyoke and Chicopee; one death in Springfield was linked to the drug. An additional heroin overdose in Holyoke is being investigated, as it could also be tied to the Hollywood variety. Not every overdose related to the drug has been fatal; CNN reports that some individuals were saved by being given Naloxone.
Naloxone is seen as an “antidote” to the heroin epidemic. It was created to “reverse opioid prescription drug and heroin overdoses.” It’s noted that there were other successful attempts to revive individuals without using Naloxone.
‘Hollywood’ heroin is a lethal batch https://t.co/AFXymSnI2b pic.twitter.com/EBTDebuWRM
— Boston Herald (@bostonherald) January 3, 2016
In addition to warning the public about the dangers of the Hollywood heroin, police have begun cracking down on the drug dealers responsible for distributing the lethal drug throughout western Massachusetts. CNN wrote that Springfield police successfully seized 9,000 bags of the drug strain over the weekend. Four individuals were arrested and charged in conjunction with the bust. In addition to the arrests and recovery of thousands of bags of heroin, police also confiscated about $20,000.
Springfield police reportedly found 8,000 of the 9,000 bags of Hollywood heroin hidden inside of a fake car bumper. The four men arrested for selling the lethal substance are expected to be arraigned next Monday.
Police Warn About ‘Hollywood’ Heroin Linked To 5 Deaths In Mass. https://t.co/NozIeEGVUh pic.twitter.com/jG11TxG1DR
— WBZ Boston News (@cbsboston) January 5, 2016
Even though authorities are doing their best to rid communities of Hollywood heroin and warn drug abusers to avoid it outright, they recognize they are fighting an uphill battle. Persons suffering from addiction aren’t necessarily going to approach the use of such a drug in a logical manner. Michael Earielo, who’s been recovering from addiction to heroin for four years, shared a bit of insight into the matter.
“In all reality, that Hollywood is a good batch, a potent batch and that’s what people in addiction are looking for … even if it is going to cost them their lives.”
Although police confiscated a large heroin stash and took four dealers off the streets, they believe that there is still a sizeable portion of the lethal heroin strain still in circulation. That’s why Springfield police Sgt. John Delaney expressed skepticism, saying the bust probably “will not make a major dent” in the local circulation of “Hollywood” heroin.
State police Col. Richard D. McKeon told the Boston Herald , “The heroin problem remains one of the most pressing public safety and public health challenges confronting the state.”
“No one single component of that strategy can win this battle alone, but all stakeholders working together can save lives, break cycles of addiction, and bring to justice the dealers who profit from selling poison to addicts.”
If you or someone you love has an addiction to heroin, the National Institute on Drug Abuse suggests that there are multiple effective treatment plans available. The most important thing that you can do is contact a drug treatment professional for advice as soon as possible.
[Photo by Spencer Platt/Getty Images]
