Regional law enforcement, community and medical groups are joining forces to tackle the area’s heroin problem. The Mayor’s Community Coalition Against Heroin will form a multi-agency law enforcement task force to arrest dealers, and include a new team to investigate overdose deaths. Peoria County Sheriff Mike McCoy says the program will mirror techniques used in the anti-violence ‘Don’t Shoot’ program:
“We’re not going to stop, until we simply make it too costly, too dangerous for anyone to deal with heroin in Peoria. We’re going to do our job as law enforcement officers.”
The community has seen a significant rise in the administration of anti-overdose drugs by first responders compared to last year. Officials say multiple drug overdoses and deaths are reported in the region every day. The projected use of the anti-overdose narcan substance is expected to hit 1,200 administrations by the end of the year.
McCoy says the anti-heroin efforts will also involve partnering with community groups and drug recovery services.