4 deadly overdoses in 12 hours; lethal batch of opioids suspected

LOWELL, Mass. – First responders in Lowell are warning the public after an increase in deadly opiate overdoses.

According to Lowell Fire Chief Jeffrey Winward, four people died over the course of 12 hours Wednesday night and Thursday morning.

“There appears to be a lethal batch of opiates in the Greater Lowell area,” he said. “We strongly urge people not to use opiates, but if you or your loved one is suffering from addiction, please be extra vigilant in the coming days.”

According to the chief, two of the victims who died were together, the other two died alone.

“If you are by yourself and you do overdose, chances are you're not going to make it if no one sees you,” he said.

Winward believes the drug that's killing people is actually a mixture of two substances.

“We're finding heroin and cocaine are being mixed with fentanyl and no one knows how much fentanyl. So, if it's more than usual, it's killing people,” he said.

Winward also pointed toward detox and recovery programs offered in the city, specifically the Lowell CO-OP Team and The Lowell House.

This warning comes just one day after Boston 25 News reported on spike in HIV cases in Lowell tied to opioid use.

Cox Media Group