Heroin overdose deaths spike after introduction of “Made in Columbia” stamp bags

Fentanyl-laced heroin trickling into Fayette County brought the number of fatal overdoses from nine in eight months to two in one weekend.
Stamp bags of heroin labeled “Made in Columbia” are believed to contain fentanyl, a synthetic opiate used to increase potency.
“In some cases, I think it’s completely fentanyl,” said Trooper Stefani Lucas.
A 27-year-old man died in South Union Township of a suspected heroin overdose Sunday morning, according to Lucas. The Fayette County coroner’s office is conducting toxicology testing.
Saturday afternoon, a 35-year-old man died of a suspected heroin overdose in Belle Vernon, Lucas said.
“Made in Columbia” heroin first started appearing in Fayette County within the last month. Since then, overdose deaths have spiked.
“We don’t typically get two in one weekend,” she said.
That type of heroin is one of two responsible for a rash of overdoses in Washington County, Aug. 16. The county’s eight overdoses in 70 minutes drew national attention.
Tuesday night a man allegedly overdosed in German Township.
A man called 911, saying his friend was overdosing.
“He had the heroin on him, with the “Made in Columbia” stamp,” Lucas said.
She said he checked himself out of the hospital against medical advice before police arrived. He had an active probation warrant against him, she said.
“Made in Columbia” heroin is especially dangerous, but police do not know where it is originating.
Lucas said touching any type of heroin paraphernalia could result in overdose.