The City of Norwich Police Department reported two fatal overdoses this week. It is suspected fentanyl was a contributing factor. (Photo by Sarah Genter)

NORWICH — The City of Norwich Police Department (NPD) has reported two deaths in the past week that were caused by a drug overdose.

According to NPD Detective Sergeant Reuben Roach, both victims were male and between the ages of 20 and 45.

One overdose occurred last weekend, while the other occurred midweek. Roach reported that in both cases, it is believed the victims were using drugs laced with fentanyl.

Overdoses are on the rise within the city, and Roach said most of the drugs being seized by police — such as cocaine, heroin, and methamphetamine — are shown to contain fentanyl when lab tested.

“The Norwich Police Department and Norwich Fire Department are responding to an average of seven overdoses a week in the City of Norwich alone, and most of the time Narcan is used successfully,” said Roach.

“Addiction is a terrible thing, and we want the people of the City of Norwich to use caution when taking substances that could be laced with fentanyl,” he added.