New Bedford Guide Your Guide to New Bedford and South Coast, MA
Massachusetts State Police detectives attached to the Hampden District Attorney’s office and local police have responded to eight overdose deaths in the last week — including 3 on Friday, 1 Jan, 2016 — in Holyoke and Chicopee in which victims are believed to have used drugs branded with the stamp “Hollywood.”
The investigation by state and local police into the source of the heroin is ongoing. The State Police Division of Investigative Services is compiling data related to these overdoses for dissemination to other law enforcement agencies. Holyoke and Chicopee Police have issued warnings to heroin users and the State Police are amplifying that message.
All heroin is poison; For reasons still to be determined, the heroin being sold under that stamp has proven exceptionally deadly in recent days.
We urge anyone using heroin or any illicit drug to seek medical help/counseling. There are many resources available to those fighting addiction.
The Massachusetts Substance Abuse Information and Education Helpline provides free and confidential information and referral for alcohol and other drug abuse problems and related concerns. The Helpline is staffed 7 days a week. This service helps people of all ages, and assistance is available in multiple languages.
Phone toll free: 1-800-327-5050
TTY: 1-888-448-8321
