The Dubuque Drug Task Force is currently investigating several cases of heroin overdoses that have occurred within the last week.
While heroin use is on the rise nationwide, this sudden, local increase in overdoses seems to indicate the presence of a highly potent or otherwise altered version of the already dangerous drug in the community. Due to the ongoing, active nature of the above referenced investigations, additional details will not be released at this time. The purpose of this public notification is to promote increased awareness among heroin users, their friends and family members.
On an unrelated note, the first confirmed report of shots fired in 2016 happened last night at 10:30 p.m. near the 1400 blocks of Bluff & Locust Streets. Responding officers located shell casings in that area and also utilized traffic/surveillance camera footage to verify shots were in fact fired. Thus far there have been no reports of injuries or property damage. The investigation remains ongoing.