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Staff Report

The Winchester Police Department (WPD) is asking the community to remain vigilant against illegal drugs.

The plea came amid a surge in local overdose deaths.

“Our community has seen a drastic rise in overdoses within the last few months. More tragically, we have seen a sharp rise in fatal overdoses within the last few weeks,” says a post on the WPD’s Facebook page.

Winchester and Clark County have seen the emergence of a substance wreaking havoc across the nation.

“Most drugs have had contact with fentanyl in some fashion, or they are pure fentanyl disguised as other drugs,” the post says.

The WPD say that officers are “seeing signs” that other drugs are being added to the local supply, which is making Naxolone (Narcan) ineffective.

Still, Narcan can save lives and local residents will have a chance to learn how to administer it properly.

From noon to 6 p.m. on Friday, the Clark County Health Department will offer Narcan education and nasal kits to everyone 18 or older in the Winchester WalMart’s parking lot.

Police ask anyone with knowledge of homes or people involved in drug trafficking to call (859) 745-7403 or the anonymous tip line at (859) 355-7443, or message the WPD on Facebook.