Watch CBS News

Florida Summit Explores Scope Of Opioid Drug Problem

Follow CBSMIAMI.COM: Facebook | Twitter

BOCA RATON (CBSMiami/AP) — A summit is being convened in Boca Raton to explore the scope of abuse of heroin and other opioid drugs and examine ways to tackle the problem.

Miami U.S. Attorney Wifredo Ferrer is among the top federal and state law enforcement officials scheduled to discuss the growing epidemic Thursday at Lynn University in Boca Raton. Of particular concern is the combination of heroin and the synthetic painkiller fentanyl, which is causing a spike in overdoses across the nation.

Federal statistics show the number of overdose deaths involving opioids, including both heroin and synthetic painkillers, have roughly quadrupled since 1999.

Authorities at the South Florida summit are expected to detail the growth in opioid overdose deaths and law enforcement efforts to combat the drugs.

(TM and © Copyright 2016 CBS Radio Inc. and its relevant subsidiaries. CBS RADIO and EYE Logo TM and Copyright 2016 CBS Broadcasting Inc. Used under license. All Rights Reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. The Associated Press contributed to this report.)

View CBS News In
CBS News App Open
Chrome Safari Continue
Be the first to know
Get browser notifications for breaking news, live events, and exclusive reporting.