Formation is underway of a task force that will oversee implementation of the state's new heroin law. The co-chair of the task force says he witnessed heroin's rise in popularity in his community just over five years ago.
Louisville Representative Denny Butler spent more than 20 years as an officer in the city's metro police department. In 2009, Butler says he saw people of all socio-economic levels overdose on heroin. Legislation approved earlier this year calls for increased access to treatment for addicts and tougher penalties for traffickers. Butler says lawmakers want this measure to stand up to the next popular drug as well. "Let's create a system of mental health treatment that will transcend this drug and the next drug," said Butler.
While working in law enforcement in Louisville, Butler says he saw heroin use rise in 2009. Today, he says heroin overdose deaths are far too common.
There are certain aspects of heroin use that create challenges for law enforcement officials. Unlike cocaine trafficking, Butler says heroin addiction is tougher to infiltrate. He says the drug is typically abused in relatively small amounts.
"Heroin is about a tenth smaller (than cocaine), so your quantities are much lower in heroin," said Butler. "Which again, makes it more difficult for law enforcement."
Butler believes the local option needle exchange provision will be adopted in small and large communities. He says he anticipates increased availability of the drug naloxone very soon. It can be used to reverse opioid overdoses if administered in time.?
