Overdoses in southwest Nebraska are under investigation

LINCOLN, Neb. (KLKN) — Authorities are investigating two drug overdoses in southwest Nebraska — one of which was fatal.

The Nebraska State Patrol said Tuesday that a 22-year-old woman died after an overdose in McCook.

There was also a non-fatal overdose in Culbertson, according to the patrol.

Both overdoses took place in the last three days, and the patrol is investigating whether they are connected.

Investigators think both cases involved counterfeit pills that looked like legitimate prescription drugs but contained dangerous synthetic opioids.

“These cases are tragic and it’s imperative that people understand the dangers associated with counterfeit pills,” Capt. Jason Scott said. “Never take prescription pills unless they are prescribed by a physician and come directly from a pharmacy.”

Anyone with information about overdoses in the area in recent days should contact the patrol’s Troop D investigative services office at 308-535-8050.

The McCook Police Department and the Hitchcock County Sheriff’s Office are assisting in the investigation.