Investigators now think that potent Fentanyl patches are responsible for at least at least 11 overdoses that resulted in one death in Cape Canaveral.
Brevard County Sheriff's officials say individuals are purchasing and ingesting what they believe to be heroin, but is actually almost pure fentanyl. The drug is typically used in easing extreme pain for some end-stage cancer patients. Fentanyl has been found to be up to 50 times more potent than heroin and tends to produce significant respiratory depression.
Authorities believe the victims from Monday's overdoses may have all gotten their drugs from the same batch.
Major Todd Goodyear said the unidentified Cape Canaveral man was found in his home and was a known heroin user. Florida Today reports some of the victims said they were snorting it.
