Racine County is seeing a marked increase in heroin-related crimes, and the state Department of Justice has a map that illustrates just how serious the issue is here.
According to the attached map, the state overall saw a 63 percent increase in the number of heroin samples sent to the state crime lab for analysis. In Racine County, the number of cases is rising as well; up from 21 in 2012 to 37 in 2013. In 2011, there were 41 cases.
To help keep the dangers of heroin front-and-center, Attorney General J.B. Van Hollen is increasing his department’s publicity campaign on the consequences of using. Launched last September, “The Fly Effect” is an on-going effort that is getting new ammunition; flyers and a new video from a former addict who is in prison for first-degree reckless homicide for drug delivery.
“I’m tremendously grateful to all of the parents who’ve shared their painful stories in an effort to educate Wisconsin’s young people – and their parents and loved ones – about the cost and grief associated with Heroin,” Van Hollen said in a written statement. “This new TV spot ends with the line, ‘You’re not the only one Heroin hurts.’ Heroin devastates families, cuts lives short and takes a toll on communities – that’s part of why we need everyone engaged in sharing this critical message behind ‘The Fly Effect.’”
To read a selection of stories Racine County Eye has run recently about cases involving heroin, click one of the links below: