A police investigation is underway into several deaths that have been linked to heroin overdoses in the Blue Mountains.
Police from Blue Mountains Local Area Command are appealing for information from the public in regard to six deaths that occurred throughout 2016 and 2017.
Strike Force Yarrabung was established as an ongoing investigation into the source and supply of prohibited drugs in the Blue Mountains.
As part of the investigation, police are looking into the deaths of six people which are suspected of occurring due to illicit drug use.
Blue Mountains crime manager, Detective Chief Inspector Dietmar Almer, urged people to be mindful that there was no quality control for the production of illegal substances.
“You put yourself and others at great risk when you use prohibited drugs; there is no telling what you are putting into your body,” he said.
“The investigation will continue as we work towards getting illicit drugs off the street.
“These deaths are an avoidable tragedy and we don’t like giving families devastating news that their loved one has passed away.”
Detective Chief Inspector Almer urged Blue Mountains residents to contact police or Crime Stoppers if they were aware of suspicious or illegal activity in their area.
“Your information will be treated with the utmost confidentiality,” he said.
You put yourself and others at great risk when you use prohibited drugs; there is no telling what you are putting into your body.
- Detective Chief Inspector Dietmar Almer
Police have reminded the community about the dangers of prohibited drug use and urge any person suffering from prohibited drug addiction to seek treatment.
Help services are available from the Nepean Blue Mountains Local Health District Drug and Alcohol Service on 1300 661 050.
This service is available 24 hours, seven days per week.
NSW Health advise that Naloxone, a life-saving medicine that can reverse opioid overdose, can be prescribed to a patient by a medical doctor and subsidised by the PBS or purchased at a community pharmacy for a fee.
Police urge members of the community with information relating to drug supply in the Blue Mountains to attend Springwood or Katoomba Police Station.
Alternatively, residents can report information via Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.
