FENTANYL DEATHS DECLINE HERE, NATIONWIDE

Overdose deaths across the nation related to fentanyl, a powerful
prescription pain-killer that has been pushed into the illegal drug
supply, seem to be slowing, a federal official said Tuesday.

"We've seen a decline in the number of deaths. I won't say it's
definitely over, but it looks like this fight is declining," said
John P. Walters, the director of National Drug Control Policy.

Walters, who was in Chicago for a forum on teen drug use and
technology, said the slowdown started a couple of weeks ago.

Fatal overdoses from heroin or cocaine laced with fentanyl have been
reported in eight states. Fentanyl is hundreds of times stronger than
morphine and heroin and can kill in an instant.

Deaths connected to fentanyl in Chicago were first reported in
February. In Cook County, toxicology reports have so far linked about
120 fatal drug overdoses to fentanyl.

Chicago Police said Tuesday that the deaths had slowed since June
when local and federal authorities busted up a street-gang drug
operation at the Dearborn Homes on the South Side.

"We shut them down completely," said Frank Limon, chief of organized
crime for Chicago Police. "It had a dramatic impact."

About 10 people died around the start of the year from drugs that
investigators believe were purchased at the Dearborn Homes. The
deaths were the first major cluster to come to the attention of authorities.

An investigation into a Mexican lab suspected of manufacturing
fentanyl also is continuing, Walters said. The lab was shut down in
May and five people were arrested. Authorities suspect it could be
the source of fentanyl coming into the United States.

Walters' office has also scheduled a national conference at the end
of the month in Philadelphia to discuss how to help reduce a demand
for heroin by getting help for addicts.