Increase in fatal and non-fatal overdoses reported by Northwest Virginia Regional Drug and Gang Task Force

The Northwest Virginia Regional Drug and Gang Task Force and partnering law enforcement agencies are warning the public about a recent spike in fatal and non-fatal overdoses.  The Northwest Virginia Regional Drug and Gang Task Force has reported three fatal overdoses and thirteen non-fatal overdoses since last Tuesday.  The recent increase in opioid related overdoses is likely a combination of received federal stimulus money and the presence of fentanyl.  Fentanyl is a synthetic opioid fifty to one hundred times more potent than morphine.  Two milligrams of fentanyl is potentially deadly for the average person.  The Northwest Virginia Regional Drug and Gang Task Force reported a similar spike after federal stimulus money was received by the public in April of last year.  Between April 14, 2020 and May 17, 2020, the Northwest Virginia Regional Drug and Gang Task Force reported that approximately eleven fatal and eleven non-fatal opioid related overdoses occurred during that time.

The most recent deaths include one in Shenandoah County, one in Frederick County, and one in Winchester. In addition, thirteen non-fatal overdoses were reported since last Tuesday; nine in Frederick County, three in Winchester, and one in Front Royal.  The total number of reported overdoses in 2021 is twelve fatal, and forty one non-fatal.  The Northwest Virginia Regional Drug and Gang Task Force reported twelve fatal, and thirty nine non-fatal overdoses at this time last year.

The Northwest Virginia Regional Drug and Gang Task Force is asking the public to share this information with others to spread awareness.  Individuals who are living with addiction are encouraged to seek treatment.  The task force is further emphasizing the importance for family and friends to routinely communicate with individuals living with addiction.

The Northwest Virginia Regional Drug and Gang Task Force is comprised of law enforcement personnel from Clarke, Frederick, Page and Shenandoah County Sheriff’s Departments, Front Royal, Luray, Strasburg, and Winchester Police Departments and the Virginia State Police Bureau of Criminal Investigation, Culpeper Field Office.