TWO DEATHS BLAMED

ON TAINTED HEROIN

ONEONTA – At least two people in Otsego County have died from tainted heroin now circulating in the community, according to Julie Dostal, executive director LEAF, the anti-addiction education agency.

“We’re devastated,” Dostal said a few minutes ago. “We’re working with the recovery community to get the word out and keep people safe.”

Wednesday afternoon, county Sheriff Richard J. Devlin, Jr., and Oneonta Police Chief Dennis Nayor issued a statement alerting the public to the tainted heroin in Otsego and surrounding counties.

“There have been numerous overdoses attributed to heroin distributed in the area in recent days,” the statement said.

Police departments are “comparing evidence to determine whether any similarities exist in terms of the composition, brands, or sources of the narcotics,” the statement said.

Anyone with information should call the sheriff’s tip line at (607) 547-1690. To alert Oneonta detectives, call (607) 432-1111, press one and ask to speak to a detective.

For information on recovery, call FORDO (Friends of Recovery for Delaware & Otsego Counties) at 267-4435.