Gov. Malloy Warns Of 'Very Dangerous Situation' In New Haven Amid Heroin Overdose Spike

NEW HAVEN, Conn. (CBSNewYork/AP) -- Gov. Dannel Malloy has pledged "whatever support the state can provide" to New Haven after a string of overdoses linked to a batch of heroin mixed with fentanyl prompted a public health emergency following

Officials say more than a dozen overdoses were reported on Thursday. City spokesman Laurence Grotheer says that at least one overdose was fatal.

Fentanyl is a synthetic opioid 50 times more potent than heroin.

"In that we have so many cases in one day, we do believe the source is local," New Haven Police Officer David Hartman told WCBS 880's Fran Schneidau. "That doesn't mean it was cooked here, it could've come from somewhere else."

Hartman says investigators are trying to track the source, and are hoping users who were poisoned by the drug but escaped death will be forthcoming about where they got it.

"This is a very dangerous situation and one that we are taking seriously.  Everyone must recognize that no region of the country, state, city or town is immune — this affects all of us and so many families across our state and nation," Malloy said. "I've been in touch with Mayor Harp and have pledged whatever support the state can provide.  That includes ensuring the continued availability of Narcan for first responders and others in the city who are in need of administering this life-saving medication.  We must continue to fight this — together."

Deputy Director of Emergency Management Rick Fontana tells the New Haven Register the city has a "critical'' shortage of the overdose reversal medication naloxone - also known by the brand name Narcan.

Fontana says Mayor Toni Harp's office is working with police, fire and health officials to address the emergency.

He says officials will meet on Friday to discuss how to combat the emergency.

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