Methadone death is third in Niles

NILES – The death of a 20-year-old prisoner from an overdose of methadone highlights the abuse of a drug designed to curb opiate use.

Police Chief Bruce Simeone said Wednesday that the April 15 death of Christopher C. Leach is the third in the city this year contributed to methadone. “We’re having a terrible time with it [methadone],” the chief said.

Methadone is used to curb the craving for such drugs as heroin and is also prescribed for acute pain.

“We can’t keep track of it. We don’t have the manpower,” said Jeff Orr, commander of the Trumbull, Ashtabula, Geauga Law Enforcement Task Force.

For complete story, see Thursday’s Vindicator or www.vindy.com.