Hamilton County law enforcement and government officials plan to appear before a judge today for a hearing about the recent surge of heroin overdoses. Other details on the hearing weren't released. Nearly 300 people have overdosed in the region since August 19. The animal tranquilizer carfentanyl was mixed with heroin and used by some recent overdose victims. Newtown Police Chief and Hamilton County Drug Coalition member Tom Synan says officials are asking Governor John Kasich to declare a state of emergency, which would bring in more money to fight the problem.
The governor's office so far is non-comittal on the request.