RASH OF BAD HEROIN PLAGUES UD

A surge in heroin related deaths that has been affecting communities
in the Northeast and cities as far west as Chicago has also hit
Delaware County, officials said.

Many of the overdoses have involved a dangerous mixture of heroin
with the pain killer fentanyl, prompting county medical examiner
Fredrick N. Hellman to issue a statement last week calling the trend
a "significant health issue."

The latest 19-year-old victim was found unconscious in a home in
Drexel Hill May 28. "Since March 11 of this year, we've had at least
six drug-related overdoses, most of which is heroin," said Upper
Darby Police Superintendent Michael Chitwood. "We've seen the heroin
is being cut with this highly toxic drug called fentanyl."

The deceased range different age groups, genders and races, Chitwood
said, describing the unusual amount of fatalities as an "epidemic."

"It seems to be coming out of Philadelphia," Chitwood said of the
drug's source. Local officials are still waiting for toxicology
results in some cases.

Upper Darby Police arrested and charged Joseph A. Piscitelli, 53, of
the 200 block of Avon Road, with drug dealing after finding about
$3,400 worth of heroin and 250 prescription pills in his home while
executing a search warrant May 24, according to reports.

Paramedics revived Virginia B. Blanken, 45, of the 7200 block of
Merion Terrace May 24 after she allegedly ingested heroin. She is
facing drug charges after parapernelia was found in the apartment and
packets stamped "Crazy."

Other names found on drug packaging have included Happy, Snowman,
High Octane and Diamond, according to police.

Chester Police Department also recently charged a man accused of
being a major heroin dealer, but Delaware County isn't the only place
that is on alert.

Chicago police reported 11 deaths since April 13, Camden has had
seven since April, according to reports.

Philadelphia authorities have also reported several heroin related
deaths in recent months. Exact figures for that city were unavailable
as of News deadline.

"Most of what we're seeing in our streets, it comes here from other
areas," said Chitwood.

According to a 1996 National Household Survey on Drug Abuse, the most
recent available through the U.S. Department of Health and Human
Services, 2.9 million Americans reported using heroin at least once
in their lives, and 663,000 reported using within the past year.