Authorities in Fox Valley (Aurora), Illinois, have seen a disturbing increase in heroin use in the area in the past year. Between January and April 2008, Aurora police took 7.12 grams of heroin off the streets. During the same time period this year, they have confiscated 37.21 grams - over five times as much. Heroin-related arrests have more than doubled, from 4 to 11, in the past year. Yorkville Lt. Rich Hart commented: "I can tell you from the police reports I see and the calls that come in, we are seeing more heroin overdoses." Kane County coroner Chuck West also weighed in on the issue: "We're seeing more heroin and more combinations of drugs."
Authorities are especially concerned not only because of the highly addictive nature of heroin but also because of the destructiveness of the drug, both for the user and the community. Lt. Hart explains, "It just wrecks lives. ... It's devastating and the effects are quick." Aurora Lt. Paul Nelson states, "Once you try it, you're an addict. ... It gets to the point where heroin is the most important thing in their life and they will do anything - turn to prostitution, rob, steal - to support their habit."
(Source: www.suburbanchicagonews.com)
Labels: heroin, illinois
Posted By: Aspen Education Group
