FDA warns of 'gas station heroin' risk to youth
The FDA is warning consumers about the dangers of tianeptine, a drug being sold at gas stations, convenience stores, vape shops, and online.
National Drug Take Back Day: Mother who lost son to drug addiction urges others to dispose of prescriptions
A local mother who lost her teenage son following a battle with drug addiction joined law enforcement and doctors from the Tampa Bay area to encourage people to safely dispose of their prescription medications during National Drug Take Back Day.
Rick Harrison of 'Pawn Stars' talks about son's overdose death: 'There is nothing worse'
Rick Harrison of “Pawn Stars” fame is opening up about losing his son, Adam, to a drug overdose last year.
Trial date set for lawsuit against Publix claiming pharmacies contributed to nation's opioid crisis
A trial date has been set for a federal civil suit that claims Publix fueled the country's opioid epidemic.
Walgreens sued by DOJ, alleging it knowingly filled illegal prescriptions, including 'dangerous' opioids
The suit alleges Walgreens "systematically pressured its pharmacists to fill prescriptions."
St. Pete puts $1 million in opioid settlement money towards fighting crisis
The city of St. Petersburg is allocating $1 million for non-profit organizations that help combat the opioid crisis with treatment and recovery support services.
Nationwide campaign on the dangers of fentanyl reaches Tampa with new billboard
A nationwide push to raise awareness about the dangers of fentanyl is growing in the Tampa Bay area.
PSTA making Narcan more accessible in hopes of reversing opioid overdoses
The Pinellas Suncoast Transit Authority (PSTA) installed new Narcan kits at its four bus terminals and is training employees on how to use this medication, aimed at reversing opioid overdoses.
'Sarasota Fights Fentanyl' remembers those who have lost their lives, helps others battling addiction
Fentanyl is highly addictive and has been a problem in the Tampa Bay area for years. This Sunday, those impacted by the deadly drug are coming together for the “Sarasota Fights Fentanyl" walk.
Suspects accused of putting Hernando County teen in ice bath following drug overdose face homicide charges
Two men are facing aggravated manslaughter charges after Hernando County deputies say they gave cocaine and fentanyl to a teenager and placed her in an ice bath for hours when she overdosed.
Several arrested as Pinellas deputies seize drugs, guns, money from drug operation and a dog-fighting ring
An ongoing narcotics operation and a dog-fighting ring has led to multiple arrests and the seizure of drugs, guns, money, and dogs in Pinellas County.
18-time convicted felon accused of coordinating fentanyl sales from Hillsborough County Jail
Two women were arrested after investigators said they helped a Hillsborough County inmate sell fentanyl.
Drug overdoses surge in some states: 5 takeaways on numbers that 'are people's lives,' expert says
Newly released figures from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) estimate a staggering 107,543 drug overdose deaths in the U.S. during 2023.
Pasco County agencies pushing for progress in fight against opioid crisis: 'We still have a long way to go'
A Pasco County alliance made up of community resources is helping combat opioid and fentanyl addiction through proactive and reactive measures.
US overdose deaths decline slightly in 2023, CDC reports
The CDC released data indicating a modest decrease in fatal overdoses in the United States last year.
'Deadliest drug threat that our country has ever faced:' Tampa's top federal prosecutor talks fentanyl crisis
As the fentanyl crisis in America endangers the lives of millions of Americans, a recent federal trial in Tampa is illuminating the extensive ways law enforcement is combating the drug influx.
Grady Judd: 4 people arrested in 'largest fentanyl seizure' in Polk County history
Four people have been arrested in what Polk County Sheriff Grady Judd calls the ‘largest fentanyl seizure’ in the county’s history.
Fentanyl exposure kills inmate at Pinellas County Jail, hospitalizes several others: ‘We’re drug addicts’
Detectives are investigating after an inmate at the Pinellas County Jail died from an apparent fentanyl overdose over the weekend and several others were hospitalized after being exposed to the drug.
Florida woman arrested after baby dies from fentanyl mixture
A Florida mother is facing aggravated manslaughter charges after police say her child died from an opioid overdose.
What is tianeptine? Lawmakers sound the alarm on 'gas station heroin'
Sold at gas stations across the country under names like “ZaZa Red” and “Neptune’s Elixir,” tianeptine use can lead to serious health complications and even death, officials say.