Increase in 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 six fatal overdoses since last Wednesday.  The recent increase in opioid related overdoses is likely the result of fentanyl, a synthetic opioid fifty to one hundred times more potent than morphine.  Two milligrams of fentanyl is potentially deadly for the average person.  Due to its potency, first responders dispatched to fentanyl related overdoses are often administering multiple doses of naloxone in order to revive the victim.  Naloxone is a medication used to counteract the effects of an opioid overdose.

The most recent deaths include three in Front Royal between January 20^th and 23^rd, two in Clarke County between January 20^th and 22^nd, and one in Shenandoah County on January 26^th.  In addition, three non-fatal overdoses were reported since last Wednesday; one in Front Royal, one in Winchester, and one in Frederick County.  The total number of reported overdoses in 2021 is seven fatal, and seven non-fatal.

The Northwest Virginia Regional Drug and Gang Task Force is encouraging residents to reach out to friends and loved ones who are 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.