A deadly batch of heroin is going around in Western Massachusetts. The Hampden County Sheriff’s Department is warning people after a few reported overdosed.

"It’s just an indicator that the product is making its way to a certain community, it can be brought there by a individual or a group of individuals that are bringing it in from different areas of the state or the county, said Sheriff Nicholas Cocchi. 

Authorities say the heroin is laced with a synthetic cannabinoid. The heath effects from it can be unpredictable and extremely harmful.

“The urge to use and to feed a habit that is very powerful, that is why you see people continuing to utilize it,” said Cocchi. 

Narcan is used to stop the effects of an overdose, but officers say narcan is not always effective for this type of heroin.

"The person isn't actually overdosing on the opioid,” said Cocchi. “They are overdosing on the synthetic cannabinoid.”

Overdoses were reported in Ludlow and Holyoke. 

Officer Mike Wilk with the Chicopee Police Department says there was a deadly overdose in Chicopee but it’s unknown if the heroin was cut with the same compound. 

"Unfortunately we did have an overdose death this weekend, someone on heroin, the person was in their late 20s early 30s, its tragic, its someones son, someones brother,” said Wilk. “Its becoming an every couple of day thing where people are overdosing on heroin."

If you know someone facing addiction who is at risk of hurting themselves or someone else, but is not willing to get help, a section 35 civil commitment is an option. 

"Go to your local district court, you petition the court for an evaluation and the county clinician will decide whether or not to issue that commitment,” said Cocchi. 

The Hampden County Sheriff’s Department says anyone who needs help can call them at any time. 

"We will put you in touch with someone and we will assist you. I don't care where you're from, anywhere in the commonwealth of Massachusetts."