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Multiple Drug Overdoses Prompt Heroin Warning From Evesham Township Police

EVESHAM TOWNSHIP, NJ (CBS) -- The Evesham Police Department is warning residents of a possible "potential lethal batch" of heroin after a series of overdoses were reported.

The police department took to Facebook Saturday to give Evesham Township residents a "public safety message."

In the post officials say the police have responded to four suspected heroin overdoses in the past 24 hours. Police say that their department is urging residents to be aware of any possible overdose situation and if they do become aware of one to please contact 911 immediately.

Authorities go on to remind residents of the New Jersey Good Samaritan Fatal Overdose Prevention Statute.

According to police, "The Good Samaritan Law, also known as The Overdose Prevention Act, aims to encourage people to immediately call emergency or medical personnel if they suspect someone is overdosing from illegal or prescription drugs. Drug overdose deaths are now the leading cause of accidental death in the United States, exceeding even motor vehicle accidents among people ages 25 to 64."

Police say many times medical assistant called to assist those in need because they fear they will be arrested. 

However, police in Evesham township posted this message to erase that fear:

"A person who, in good faith, seeks medical assistance for him or herself or someone else experiencing a drug overdose is immune from being: arrested, charged, prosecuted, or convicted for obtaining, possessing, using, being under the influence of, or failing to make lawful disposition of, a controlled dangerous substance or controlled substance."

 

 

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