HACKENSACK, N.J. (PIX11) — Two arrests have been made related to an overdose death of a worker at the Riverside Commons in Hackensack, New Jersey, officials said Friday. The incident involved fentanyl and sent four victims to the hospital.
One suspect was charged with the distribution of narcotics, and the other was charged with possession with intent to sell, authorities said. Officials at the Bergen County Sheriff’s Office believe these suspects are a small part of a much larger problem in New Jersey and New York.
Michelle Edoo, 29, was working at the mall at the Cheesecake Factory last week when she and four other mall employees overdosed, according to police. Investigators believe Edoo and the others ingested a dangerous amount of fentanyl.
When first responders got to the scene in the parking garage of the mall, they saw four people lying on the ground unconscious, with two good Samaritans performing CPR and life-saving measures.
First responders used an overdose reversal drug called Narcan. That helped revive some of the victims. Sadly, it wasn’t enough to save Edoo.
Authorities said the vast majority of overdose deaths they’re seeing involve fentanyl. Making the situation even more complicated, officials said it’s being added to all sorts of other drugs.
“You have to assume that any drug, whether powder, pill, or vegetation, that is bought on the street or that is shared on the street contains fentanyl and it can kill you,” Bergan County Prosecutor Mark Musella said.
“I don’t think there’s ever been a more dangerous time in our society regarding overdose fatalities than there are right now,” Bergan County Chief of Detectives Jason Love told PIX11 News.
