SIX OVERDOSE ON TAINTED HEROIN

MANATEE - Six people overdosed on tainted heroin in the past three days,
Manatee County Sheriff's Office and Bradenton police officials said Saturday.

All of the overdoses appear to be from the same batch of tainted heroin,
though officials said they are still testing the confiscated drugs.

Sheriff Charlie Wells expressed concern and asked for help.

"We're extremely concerned with what's taken place in the last couple of
days," Wells said. "This is a very dangerous situation, and we need the
public's help."

Officials are urging anyone with information on these cases - especially
information on the source of the heroin - to call 747-3011, ext. 2274, or
Crime Stoppers at 747-COPS.

On Thursday, a 32-year-old Bradenton man died while his 30-year-old
girlfriend remains in critical condition at Manatee Memorial Hospital.

On Friday evening, deputies responded to two incidents involving three
people who overdosed. They were taken to hospital but were not in serious
condition.

Bradenton police responded to an overdose of a 24-year-old woman Friday.
She is listed in critical condition at Manatee Memorial Hospital.