Fatal Heroin Overdoses Dwindling In Southcoast

There's been a noticeable decrease in heroin-related deaths in the Southcoast.

Local law enforcement officials cite several factors that are contributing to the lower number of fatal overdoses.

New Bedford Detective Captain Steve Vicente tells WBSM News putting the anti-overdose drug Narcan into the hands of all first responders with the proper training has certainly helped.

Since training police and fire departments how to use Narcan in April, 29 overdoses in New Bedford alone have been reversed.

Vicente adds he believes the so-called bad batch of heroin that was laced with the powerful painkiller Fentanyl is running in short supply.