Three More Overdoses from Possible Bad Batch of Heroin

Days after a man died in Portsmouth from a possible bad batch of heroin, authorities in Salem on Tuesday were investigating a similar incident.

Salem Deputy police Chief Shawn Patten said a 20-year-old woman from Haverhill, Mass. and two 21-year-old men overdosed after taking heroin this week. The woman was in a coma on Tuesday at a Boston-area hospital. The men on Tuesday was also hospitalized in stable condition.

Patten said crews responded to 12 Ticklefancy Lane at about 4:35 p.m. Monday after receiving a call about two people who were found unconscious and not breathing in a vehicle in the driveway at that address.

Police believe that the trio purchased heroin in Lawrence, Mass., and snorted it on the way to Salem before overdosing, according to Patten.

The individuals' names won't be released until family members are notified, according to Patten.
Patten said police "are aware of similar overdoses in the area" and that "a possible bad batch" of heroin is being distributed in the area. He said his department will contact other area law enforcement agencies as part of its investigation.

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