Cincinnati sees estimated 78 overdoses in 2 days

CINCINNATI (AP) — Police in Cincinnati are asking for the public’s help in finding the source of the suspected heroin behind an estimated 78 overdoses in just two days this week.

Authorities believe the same batch is linked to three recent deaths.

They say there were an estimated 78 overdoses Tuesday and Wednesday and a total of 174 overdoses in emergency rooms within the past week.

Local officials are calling it a public health emergency.

They suspect a drug used to sedate elephants that is 100 times as potent as the fentanyl could be behind the surge in overdoses.

County leaders Thursday said they’ll seek funding for treatment that would come with expanded response teams.

The teams would offer treatment to people who’ve overdosed.