INDIANAPOLIS — We're getting a new look at overdose death statistics in Marion County.
In the first quarter of 2024. the coroner's office investigated 134 suspected overdose deaths, a 28% decrease over the same time last year.
The most common substance found in toxicology results? Fentanyl at 74%, followed by meth at 33% and cocaine at 32%.
The report was a joint effort of the Marion County Public Health Department and the coroner's office.
In May, Marion County Prosecutor Ryan Mears announced his office was increasing prosecution of drug dealers in fatal overdose cases, citing an alarming number such deaths in local communities. At that time, the coroner's office reported that 171 people in Marion County had lost their lives this year from a drug overdose.
In many of these cases, drug dealers are not held accountable. Mears wants to change that.
In 2018, a law went into effect allowing the prosecution of drug dealers who cause a death. The charge is called “dealing in a controlled substance resulting in death” which carries a 20- to 40-year sentence.
Since then, 16 cases have been filed in Marion County, with three convictions so far.
Mears credits the increase in case filings to an ongoing collaboration with IMPD, the coroner’s office and the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration.
“None of us up here are suggesting that the solution to our drug problem is enforcement and enforcement alone. That’s not what we are saying, but we do believe that there is an important part that all of us can play in helping to slow down the supply and deter people from using and selling these types of drugs,” Mears said.
Between 2018 and 2021, IMPD brought forth two cases of dealing a controlled substance resulting in death.
Since 2022, IMPD brought forward 12 cases, with most of the cases coming in 2023. This represents a nearly 500% increase since 2021.
“Our presence here this morning is not about a victory lap. Instead, it is intended to send a clear message and bold message that law enforcement will make available all resources to hold those accountable for taking advantage of people who are drug addicted or vulnerable,” said IMPD Deputy Chief Kendale Adams said in May.