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Heroin-Related Deaths Rising in Jefferson County

Posted: 4:21 PM Jan 25, 2013

The Jefferson County Coroner says 57 people died because of heroin overdoses in 2012 and the figure is nearly double the number of people who died after overdosing on the drug in 2011.

Reports say heroin was also listed as a contributing factor in five other deaths in 2012.

Authorities say 30 people died in Jefferson County from overdoses on the drug in 2011, which was nearly double the number of people who died from overdosing on the drug in 2010.

Birmingham Police Chief A.C. Roper says heroin may be seeing a resurgence in the area because prescription pill addicts are turning to the drug as pills become more expensive.