Overdose deaths are confirmed through toxicological examinations that take weeks, so the true death toll is likely much higher. Last year, there were at least 486 drug deaths in the state, with fentanyl playing a role in most of those cases. The drug has helped drive an increase in yearly drug deaths, which totaled less than 200 in 2012. Meanwhile, Laconia overdoses have increased sharply this year. Also, a particularly potent batch of heroin is believed responsible for an increase in overdoses in Laconia this summer.

Source: Daily Sun July 14, 2017 05:37 UTC