A federal investigation began after a cluster of deaths was reported in Chicago and New Jersey two years ago. By 2006 more clusters were identified in Philadelphia, Detroit and other cities. The CDC found 1,013 deaths nationally between April 2005 and March 2007, peaking in June 2006.
The CDC investigation found that fentanyl, a synthetic opioid that is 30 to 50 times stronger than heroin created in underground labs, was used to adulterate heroin and that some users may not have known they were using it.
The authorities shut down a fentanyl-making operation in Toluca, Mexico, in May 2006. In New Jersey alone, 86 people died during the time frame, the CDC reported.
Fentanyl, a powerful, euphoria-inducing narcotic, is a prescription painkiller, often prescribed for cancer patients and administered through a patch. Illegally made versions of the drug are sold as a powder, often mixed with cocaine or heroin, and sometimes used as a heroin replacement.
The new report is being published this week in CDC's Morbidity and Mortality Weekly Report.
