Tampa Bay area investigators warn about synthetic-laced heroin

SARASOTA COUNTY, Fla. (WFLA) – Synthetic-laced heroin caused recent overdoses on Florida’s West Coast, deputies said.

The Sarasota County Sheriff’s office issued a warning Friday about the drug. Deputies have responded to 14 overdoses since July 1. Two of those overdoses were fatal.

“Investigators warn users that heroin seized locally has traces of fentanyl and carfentanil, a synthetic opioid drug with nearly 10,000 times the potency of morphine,” deputies said.RELATED: Manatee could benefit from new federal law that fights heroin epidemic