Full Notification

Notice from the New Jersey State Police:

Significant Spike in Drug Overdoses

Since June 1, 2015, there have been at least 50 suspected overdoses in Camden County, resulting in four deaths in Camden City. Three of the fatal drug overdoses involved glassines/wax folds that were marked “Best Buy,” all containing fentanyl. Fentanyl is a legal synthetic opioid that is 15-20 times more potent than heroin. It is highly addictive and usually prescribed by doctors to relieve pain. Fentanyl greatly increases the risk of overdose when taken alone or when combined with heroin. Fentanyl has proven deadly for many New Jersey residents, who believed they were purchasing heroin when in fact, they were consuming fentanyl.

In addition to the “Best Buy” stamp, there have been three other stamps associated with the rash of overdoses: “Empire,” “Bugatti,” and “Red Devil,” as well as unmarked blue wax folds with no stamp. Glassines/wax folds are commonly used to package heroin for distribution and are often marked with “brand names.” Examples of the wax folds involved in the recent overdoses are shown below.

The Drug Monitoring Initiative (DMI) is continuing to monitor the situation and is providing this information to warn the public of potentially dangerous drug stamps. Because many drug users travel to Camden to purchase drugs, this issue could impact additional areas of New Jersey.

The New Jersey Governor’s Council on Alcoholism and Drug Abuse (GCADA) has launched a statewide awareness campaign, “Addiction Does Not Discriminate” to help fight drug abuse by showing that no one is immune to the deadly drug problem. This program provides New Jersey residents with information on preventing abuse, recognizing those at risk, and finding treatment. Please go to KnowAddiction.nj.gov to learn more.