Fatal overdoses are on the decline across District 27 following a multi-agency initiative launched in 2023, according to District Attorney Jack Thorp. The program, which focuses on investigating drug overdoses and prosecuting distributors, has shown measurable results in Adair, Cherokee, Sequoyah and Wagoner counties.

Thorp credited the drop in deaths to improved coordination between law enforcement agencies and emergency medical personnel. He emphasized the need to maintain and strengthen those lines of communication.

“This coordination is critical so that those responsible for distributing these dangerous poisons can be found and brought to justice,” Thorp said. “If a person survives a drug overdose, a timely investigation can help locate people involved in drug trafficking. Where the evidence supports that the distribution of a controlled substance directly caused a death, those cases may be investigated and pursued under Oklahoma law as felony first-degree murder.”

Since the initiative began, overdose deaths have fallen significantly across the four counties that make up District 27. Thorp said his office is also working with state lawmakers to ensure consistent reporting and accountability. Proposed changes include clarifying how toxicology reports list causes of death when substances like fentanyl are involved, distinguishing between accidental deaths and potential homicides.

“It is imperative that law enforcement is made aware of all overdose events in real time so that we may investigate swiftly, secure evidence and hold distributors accountable,” Thorp said. “Our office is committed to prosecuting these cases to the fullest extent of the law to protect our communities and prevent further tragedies.”