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Crime statistics released Monday for Wheeling in 2023 show that we are barely keeping our head above water when it comes to reducing overdoses and overdose deaths.
According to the statistics, there were 182 overdoses in 2023 compared to 164 the year before. Overdose deaths jumped from 11 in 2022 to 26 in 2023.
Police Chief Shawn Schwertfeger noted fentanyl is the city's biggest drug issue. "These mixtures of fentanyl and other drugs in pill form are manufactured in Mexico and shipped across the border and make their way to all the cities. What happens is someone thinks they're getting oxycodone or Percocet, but they're actually taking fentanyl, and that's (going to) kill you."
The chief also noted that fentanyl-laced overdoses from the drug xylazine, a sedative used by veterinarians, are taking additional doses of Narcan to counter. That's leading to additional worry.
Schwertfeger said his office is working through strategies to combat this, but until there's a plan to stop the flow of fentanyl at the federal level, it's likely little will change. Until then, this will continue to be an issue.