Report: Md. overdose deaths up significantly

WASHINGTON — Deaths from accidental drug overdoses in Maryland rose to 920 during the first six months of this year, compared to 601 during the same time last year — and it’s part of a troubling trend in the state, said a local agent at the Drug Enforcement Administration.

A preliminary report from the Maryland Department of Health and Mental Hygiene also finds deaths blamed on heroin increased from 336 to 566.

Deaths related to fentanyl, which is often used to cut heroin, nearly quadrupled from 121 to 446.

Prescription opioid-related deaths increased slightly from 190 to 210.

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