Heroin drives spike in overdose deaths in Md.

ANNAPOLIS, Md. (AP) — Maryland saw a 33 percent increase in drug overdose deaths in the first quarter of this year compared to the same time last year, state officials said Thursday as they announced a renewed focus on fighting the rise of fentanyl-laced heroin.

A report released by the Maryland Department of Health and Mental Hygiene found there were 252 total drug overdose deaths from January to March, and 148 were related to heroin. Gov. Martin O’Malley underscored the urgency of the problem by noting Maryland had only three fentanyl-related deaths in June 2013, while the number climbed to 17 last month. Fentanyl is a powerful narcotic that can kill by inhibiting breathing.