FAIRFAX COUNTY, Va. — Fairfax County detectives are investigating several illicit narcotics overdoses in the Franconia and Mt. Vernon police districts Monday night. Police say everyone survived. Several of the overdoses happened within the same area and within the same time frame.
Investigators have not yet released information about the type of drugs taken and how many people were affected. They are asking that anyone with information calls at 703-691-2131.
Fairfax County continues to battle overdoses.
In 2018, the the Fairfax County Police Department launched the Overdose Investigations Unit.
"When the unit was formed it was really one of the only in the nation," said Lt. Kevin White who leads the unit.
He told WUSA9 the unit consisted of two detectives and a crime analyst when they first launched, but it's now grown to six detectives and one crime analyst.
Fairfax County does track overdoses. The most recent data shows 158 nonfatal opioid overdoses so far in 2024.
If you or someone you know may be experiencing an opioid overdose, look out for these signs:
Face is pale or clammy
Breathing is infrequent or has stopped
Deep snoring or gurgling (death rattle)
Unresponsive to any stimuli
Slow or no heart rate and/or pulse
Bluish purple, or ashen skin color
Fingernails turn blue or blue-black
Naloxone nasal spray, also commonly known by brand name Narcan, is an over-the-counter medication that can help prevent death from an opioid overdose. The Fairfax-Falls Church Community Services Board provides opioid overdose and naloxone education trainings that provide a free box of naloxone to residents who complete the training.
In an immediately life-threatening situation, call 911. Fairfax County Fire and Rescue personnel carry medication that can prevent death from an opioid overdose, according to county police.