Map of the overdoses in the last 72 hours

POUGHKEEPSIE — Authorities are investigating a series of suspected drug overdoses in the City and Town of Poughkeepsie that have resulted in two deaths and sent several others to the hospital over the past 72 hours. Emergency responders first encountered the spike early Tuesday morning, when one individual died and four others were revived after overdosing on drugs believed to be cocaine laced with fentanyl. The incidents continued throughout the week, including two near-fatal episodes and at least 11 additional suspected drug-related overdoses.

One fatal overdose was reported Thursday morning in the Town of Poughkeepsie, according to officials.

The Dutchess County Drug Task Force is investigating the source of the narcotics believed to be linked to these overdoses. Investigators are working with the Analysis and Real-Time Crime Intelligence Center (ARCTIC)  to identify distribution networks, analyze trends and quickly develop leads.

On Thursday morning, law enforcement officers deployed flash grenades at Main and Rose streets in Poughkeepsie and took a woman suspected of selling fentanyl-laced cocaine into custody. She was being held at the Dutchess County Sheriff’s Office pending arraignment. Authorities did not identify the woman or say if she was responsible for the recent surge in overdoses. Officials said undercover agents purchased cocaine laced with fentanyl and straight fentanyl from the woman before she was arrested. Additional information is expected to be released as the investigation continues.

Officials have called the surge in overdoses a public safety emergency and said the Dutchess County Drug Task Force is pursuing those responsible for distributing the dangerous narcotics. Authorities are leveraging all available resources, including advanced intelligence analysis, to identify the source and prevent further incidents. Residents are urged to seek help for substance use disorder and to carry Narcan, an opioid overdose reversal medication.

Authorities warned that the presence of fentanyl and other synthetic substances continues to make street drugs unpredictable and potentially deadly. Officials said even a single use can result in an overdose.

Anyone witnessing a suspected overdose should immediately call 911 and administer Narcan if available.  “Saving a life must always be the priority,” said Parisi. “Under New York law, a person who, in good faith, seeks health care for themselves or another person experiencing a drug or alcohol overdose will not be charged or prosecuted for certain controlled substance offenses based solely on the evidence obtained as a result of seeking that emergency medical assistance. If you believe someone is overdosing, do not hesitate—call 911 immediately. That call could save a life.” The Dutchess County District Attorney’s Office, Drug Task Force, and law enforcement partners will continue to monitor this situation closely and provide updates as additional information becomes available.
Anyone with information about these cases or other suspected drug activity in Dutchess County is asked to contact the Drug Task Force confidential tip line at 845-463-6040, email [email protected] or submit a tip through the Dutchess County District Attorney’s Office website at .


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