POLICE WARN OF OVERDOSE RISE IN CITY

ROCKFORD -- If the prospects of being arrested and jailed aren't
enough to curb a heroin user's habit, the Rockford Police Department
is forwarding a warning from Chicago Police that tainted or overly
potent heroin is on the streets.

Thursday, Chicago Police Superintendent Phillip Cline issued a news
release warning of an increase in heroin-related overdoses and deaths
in Chicago. It is unknown whether the deaths are a result of tainted
heroin or if there is a very strong batch on the streets.

Friday, Deputy Police Chief Dominic Iasparro stated in a news release
that Rockford also has recorded an increase in drug overdoses, but
none at this point have been linked directly to tainted heroin.

Iasparro added: "There is a direct connection between Rockford's
heroin supply and that of Chicago being a source city."

Anyone with information regarding heroin sales or distribution is
asked to call the Metro Narcotic Unit at 815-987-5034 or Crime
Stoppers at 815-987-7867.