Officials warn of spike in reported overdoses in Plymouth County

Police are warning residents about a recent spike of drug overdoses in Plymouth County.

In the last four days, there have been 20 reported overdoses - three fatal - in Plymouth County, according to a press release from East Bridgewater police on Monday.

The overdoses were reported in several towns, including East Bridgewater, Rockland, Wareham, Brockton and Whitman.

In 2016, there were 191 opioid-related overdose deaths in Plymouth County, based on data collected by the Massachusetts Department of Public Health.

Police said the reason for the spike in overdoses may be due to drugs being more potent.

"Not only are we seeing more overdoses, but the amount of Narcan needed to reverse an overdose has increased substantially," East Bridgewater Police Chief Scott Allen said in the press release. "This indicates to us that there could be a more potent form of heroin and/or fentanyl around currently. We want everyone to be aware and to know that Narcan is available."

Three years ago, a person suffering from an overdose in Plymouth County needed about two to six milligrams of naloxone, also known as Narcan to reverse the overdose.

Over the past two weeks, people who have overdosed have needed anywhere from eight to 24 milligrams to be revived, police said.