Residents around the region are being warned about a potentially lethal batch of heroin circulating around. But, at least at this time, heroin has not been as big an issue in Vandalia as in some other surrounding communities. Several county coroners and area police are warning residents of this potentially lethal batch of heroin, with as many as four possible fatalities and an unknown number of overdoses, authorities want to get the word out before local communities suffer any more loss. The deaths and overdoses have been seen in surrounding communities. And, while Vandalia Police Chief Jeff Ray says there are certainly drug issues in the community, heroin has not been one they have encountered a lot so far. Chief Ray says he is sure it has made it into the community, just not to the extent that it has in some surrounding communities.
Meanwhile, officials would also like the public to know that no one should be afraid to seek medical attention for themselves or someone that they believe is suffering from an overdose. The Good Samaritan Law gives anyone calling 911 in good faith “immunity from criminal charges for drug possession. The overdose victim you’re helping is protected too.”