COUNTY DRUG DEATH TOLL REACHES 25

The state medical examiner's officer reported Friday that 25 drug-related
deaths were reported in Lane County this year through September.

Of the deaths, 14 were heroin related, three were cocaine related, 10 were
methamphetamine related and two were deaths from drugs used in combination
with other drugs.

Statewide figures indicate that, despite a significant drop in
heroin-related deaths, cocaine and methamphetamine deaths continue at high
levels.

The statistics show there were 152 total drug-related deaths through
September - a 26 percent drop compared to the same period last year.

The total figures are the lowest level since 1995, according to the report.

There were 98 heroin-related deaths statewide, a 40 percent decline from
last year.

But cocaine and metham-phetamine-related deaths continue to result in more
deaths than any year prior to 1999.

Cocaine accounted for 48 deaths, down 19 percent from last year but still
higher than any previous year. And methamphetamine-related deaths were the
same as last year, with 40 deaths.

Deaths from drugs used in combination with other drugs declined.