SOUTHOLD, N.Y. (WCBS 880) -- After a period of under a week saw at least six overdose deaths on Long Island, officials are putting a focus on fentanyl-laced cocaine.
Police told Newsday the deaths happened between Aug. 11 and Aug. 13 in Southold and Shelter Island due to a “bad batch” of cocaine.
Southold police say they normally average a single overdose death per year, and even some years do not have any.
Those who died included a 24-year-old Greenport village woman who was found in her bed, and on the same day, a 25-year-old from Southold who was found in their home.
On Friday, police responded to four fatal overdose cases.
Police say there have also been several other overdoses where those involved survived, dating back to a case on Aug. 5 in Cutchogue, according to Newsday.
Officials from the area have warned of being careful in the wake of the deaths. The Southold Police Department said in a release over the weekend, “We collectively urge that anyone who has purchased cocaine, or other narcotics, recently on the North Fork or Shelter Island, or know of a family member or friend that has purchased, safely dispose of these potentially lethal products.”
The Suffolk DA’s Office and a number of police departments are part of an investigation into the rash of overdoses, according to WABC.
The Town of Southold is also set to hold an opioid overdose prevention program Thursday, which will focus on recognizing overdoses and administering Narcan.