Delaware sees spike in fatal drug overdoses

DOVER, Del. -- A recent wave of fatal drug overdoses in Delaware has pushed the state's death toll to 171 for the year.

Health officials have pointed to fentanyl, a white powdery substance that is up to 50 times more powerful than heroin.

The drug was found to be a factor in109 of the 308 fatal overdoses last year.

RELATED: 14 fentanyl-based overdoses in 4 hours in Camden

Arrest made after rash of drug overdoses in Camden

Gov. John Carney signed legislation over the summer that allows residents to purchase the overdose-reversing drug naloxone at participating pharmacies after receiving a brief education on how to use it.

First responders already carry the drug.

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