SPRINGFIELD, Ill. (WAND) — The leading cause of accidental deaths in Sangamon County is from fentanyl, and the number has more than doubled in five years according to Crime Stoppers of Sangamon & Menard Counties.
The drug deaths are leading Crime Stoppers to increase the reward for tips to $1,500 if they lead to the arrest of someone dealing fentanyl.
"Our goal with this initiative is to remove distributors of fentanyl, interrupt the supply of the drug, and, hopefully, save the lives of our residents," said Officer Chris Jones, Crime Stoppers Coordinator. "We hope to engage people in Sangamon and Menard Counties to help us get the dealers of this exceedingly dangerous drug off our streets and make our neighborhoods safer."
The Sangamon County Coroner reports there were 82 drug-related deaths in 2023 compared to only 38 in 2019. Statewide, in 2022, there were 3,261 opioid overdose deaths. That number is twice the number of fatal motor vehicle accidents and murders. Since 2013, overdose deaths have increased by 3,341%. Meanwhile, the Illinois Department of Health says heroin overdose deaths have actually decreased by 9.9%.
Crime Stoppers is a nonprofit organization funded by fundraisers and donations from citizens and civic organizations. If you have information about a crime, call Crime Stoppers at 217-788-8427.
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