A new strain of heroin is believed to have claimed the lives of eight Massachusetts residents over the past week. On Friday alone, the strain known as "Hollywood," killed three in the Holyoke and Chicopee communities.
"All heroin is poison. For reasons still to be determined, the heroin being sold under the stamp has proven exceptionally deadly in recent days," said Massachusetts State Police in a statement.
Hampden District Attorney Anthony D. Gulluni alerted the public Saturday and urged caution. In a statement, he advised that, with the current status of available drugs on the street, the risk of overdose and death is exceptionally high, according to WBUR Boston. He added that Massachusetts' Good Samaritan Law allows people to report overdoses without the risk of being charged with possession themselves.
Springfield police confiscated 9,000 bags of "Hollywood" heroin and arrested four people on charges of trafficking heroin in a recent bust. They also found $20,000 in cash.
"Just like in all of New England, Springfield does have a heroin problem," said Springfield police Sgt. John Delaney, according to CNN.
Overdose deaths have stacked up in Massachusetts over recent years. About 1,089 people died of opioid-related overdoses in 2014, according to the Massachusetts Department of Health. The number marks a 63 percent increase since 2012.
Speaking to ABC's regional media outlet WCVB, local resident Michael Earielo said: "In all reality, that Hollywood is a good batch, a potent batch and that's what people in addiction are looking for... even if it is going to cost them their lives." Earielo, a recovering addict, has been clean for four years.
Many turn to heroin in order to feed a prescription drug addiction. Addictions to drugs such as Oxycontin, Lortab, Vicodin, Percocet, codeine and morphine have been on the rise both nationally and in Massachusetts over recent years. These drugs cost much more than heroin, and many turn to cheaper options when money gets tight.
