In the last 24 hours the Harrisburg Police Bureau have responded to a number of drug overdoses in the Downtown and Midtown area. The police have responded to 12 overdoses in the last 24 hours, with some of them being fatal. The overdoses appear to be associated with individuals believing they are ingesting a cocaine-based substance, but the substance appears to also contain an opioid-based narcotic. The Harrisburg Police encourage anyone who uses a controlled substance or knows of anyone who uses a controlled substance to be aware of the increased risk we are seeing. Also, we encourage everyone to be aware of signs and symptoms of an opioid related overdose. 

Potential signs and symptoms of an opioid overdose include:

• Loss of consciousness.
• Markedly constricted or pinpoint pupils.
• Breathing difficulties (slowed, labored, and/or irregular breathing).
• Respiratory arrest (completely stopped breathing).
• Choking, gurgling, or snoring sounds.
• Blue or purple lips or fingertips.
• Being unresponsive to loud noises, shaking, or painful stimuli.

For more information on overdose recognition and substance abuse help please see the below links:

• https://americanaddictioncenters.org/overdose
• https://www.cdc.gov/rxawareness/prevent/index.html
• https://www.dauphincounty.gov/government/human-services/drug-alcohol-services

Please call 911 if you believe you or a person you are with are experiencing an overdose. 

Anyone with information on the recent increase in overdoses are asked to contact the Harrisburg Police Bureau, at 717-558-6900. Tips and information can also be submitted via the CRIMEWATCH website.