DEA Chicago Division seizes 77,000 counterfeit fentanyl pills, makes 22 arrests
'SIGNIFICANT THREATS TO PUBLIC SAFETY': The DEA Chicago Division seized 24 kilograms of fentanyl, including 77,000 counterfeit fentanyl pills, made 22 arrests and seized 13 guns throughout Illinois, Indiana and Wisconsin as a part of a nationwide law enforcement effort to address the increase in the availability and lethality of fentanyl-laced fake pills.
Chicago hospital training people to use Narcan to help prevent overdose deaths
Life-saving training is underway Wednesday at one Chicago hospital, but it's not for doctors and nurses.
California considers paying drug addicts to stay sober
Frustrated by out-of-control increases in drug overdose deaths, California’s leaders are trying something radical: They want the state to be the first to pay people to stay sober.
Overdose deaths surge in 2020 amid pandemic
The year 2020 led to another new record no one wanted – overdose deaths.
93,000 Americans died of overdoses last year, a new record
U.S. overdose deaths climbed to a record 93,000 last year amid the COVID-19 pandemic. The previous record was 72,000.
Narcotics Diversion Program expanding in Chicago amid increase in overdoses
The Narcotics Arrest Diversion Program is expanding in Chicago amid a citywide increase in drug overdoses.
J&J to pay $230M to settle claims it helped fuel opioid crisis
As part of the deal, the drugmaker also agreed to end the manufacturing and distribution of opioids across New York and the rest of the nation.
Officials urge participation in Saturday's Prescription Drug Take Back Day
Dr. David Kalainov from Northwestern Medicine and Todd Smith from DEA Chicago talk about the importance of keeping unused prescription drugs out of the household and away from children.
Cook County registers record number of gun-related homicides, opioid deaths in 2020
Cook County reported more gun and opioid deaths in 2020 than any other year on record, officials said Friday.
DOJ sues Walmart over role in America’s opioid crisis
The Justice Department is suing Walmart, alleging the company unlawfully dispensed controlled substances through its pharmacies, helping to fuel the opioid crisis in America, according to a person familiar with the matter.
Cook County sees record opioid deaths in midst of pandemic
Cook County will see its deadliest year for fatal opioid overdoses when 2020 ends, the county’s chief medical examiner said Wednesday.
Oregon could become 1st US state to decriminalize cocaine, heroin, other hard drugs
Oregon could be the first state in the US to decriminalize the possession of small amounts of heroin, cocaine, LSD and other hard drugs. Instead of being arrested, the users would have the option of paying $100 fines or attending free addiction recovery centers.