Cape May County prosecutors are warning residents about potentially lethal drugs circulating in the area after five overdose incidents, including one death, were reported within a single day.
Cape May County Prosecutor Jeffrey H. Sutherland is urging the public to exercise extreme caution following a recent spike in drug overdoses that authorities believe may be linked to an increasingly dangerous street drug supply.
According to the Cape May County Prosecutor’s Office, five drug-related overdoses were reported between June 11 and June 12. One of those overdoses proved fatal.
Authorities concerned about toxic drug supply
While investigators have not yet confirmed whether the overdoses are connected, prosecutors say law enforcement agencies are seeing troubling signs of adulterated narcotics being sold throughout the county.
“Based on the preliminary investigation, it is not confirmed if there is a connection between the five overdoses,” Sutherland said.
The prosecutor warned that suspected heroin and fentanyl circulating in Cape May County may contain unknown substances or unusually potent mixtures.
“Law enforcement is seeing adulteration of the street drug supply, specifically suspected Heroin and Fentanyl, where the overall toxicity is unknown and potentially lethal,” Sutherland said.
Local forensic lab assisting investigation
Investigators are utilizing the Cape May County Forensic Laboratory to analyze drugs recovered during overdose investigations.
Officials said having a local laboratory allows authorities to identify dangerous substances more quickly than relying on outside testing facilities.
“Having a local laboratory within the Cape May County Prosecutor’s Office can speed up the time it takes to identify the illegal substances,” Sutherland said.
The results of those analyses could help determine whether a particularly dangerous batch of drugs is responsible for the recent overdoses.
Hope One available for addiction support
As authorities investigate, officials are encouraging residents struggling with substance use disorders to seek help.
The Cape May County Prosecutor’s Office continues to deploy its Hope One Mobile Unit throughout communities across the county, providing addiction treatment referrals, recovery services, and support resources.
“In an effort to educate the members of our community, curtail the opiate epidemic, and reduce drug related crimes in Cape May County, the Cape May County Prosecutor’s Office deploys the Hope One Mobile Unit weekly into the communities of Cape May County,” the agency said.
Anyone seeking recovery support can contact the Hope One 24-hour hotline at 609-522-4375.
Public urged to remain vigilant
Authorities are asking residents to be aware of the heightened overdose risk and to seek immediate medical assistance if someone experiences signs of an overdose.
The investigation into the recent overdose incidents remains ongoing.
Key Points
• Five drug overdoses, including one fatality, were reported in Cape May County within a 24-hour period.
• Prosecutors warn that heroin and fentanyl being sold locally may contain unknown and potentially lethal substances.
• The Hope One Mobile Unit and a 24-hour recovery hotline are available for individuals seeking addiction support.
