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Delaware

Police, state warn: 73 suspected drug overdoses, 2 deaths in 1 week in Sussex County

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Police, state warn: 73 suspected drug overdoses, 2 deaths in 1 week in Sussex County


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Over the past week in Sussex County, there have been 73 suspected drug overdoses, two people are dead and the National Guard has been enlisted to find out why.

Delaware State Police and the Department of Health and Social Services are continuing to warn the public as a surge of particularly severe overdoses happens across the state’s southernmost county.

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“Exercise extreme caution, refrain from consuming unknown substances, and avoid illegal drugs altogether,” the agencies said in a news release Thursday. “Individuals struggling with substance abuse are encouraged to seek immediate assistance from medical professionals or addiction support services.”

The 73 suspected overdoses occurred between Friday, April 26 and Friday, May 2, with toxicology tests pending to confirm two suspected overdose deaths, the release said. The majority of overdoses have occurred in the Georgetown, Millsboro, and Milford areas, according to the release.

To determine the drugs’ composition, police enlisted the Delaware National Guard Wednesday to test samples from overdose victims. Initial samples showed packages containing the following:

  • Xylazine, also known as “tranq,” a veterinary sedative
  • Bromazolam, an unlicensed benzodiazepam
  • Fentanyl, a synthetic opioid
  • Quinine, commonly used to treat malaria
  • Caffeine

The substances involved were packaged in small, white, wax-covered paper bags, police said, typically associated with heroin.

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Background: Delawareans asked to ‘exercise extreme caution’ after string of overdoses

Beebe Healthcare in Lewes held a news conference Wednesday to address the more than 30 overdoses the hospital has seen since April 25. One of those patients died and more than 11 required mechanical ventilation and intubation, Beebe Senior Vice President and Chief Physician Officer Dr. Paul Sierzenski said. Many patients also required a significant amount of naloxone to revive.

All involved agencies have warned the recent overdoses have been much more medically severe than usual. There are no patterns related to age, sex or race, Division of Mental Health and Substance Abuse Director Joanna Champney said at the Beebe news conference.

Support for those struggling with substance abuse and a list of Narcan training events are available at helpisherede.com. 

In Sussex, patients can talk with clinicians about substance abuse regardless of their insurance status at the Thurman Adams State Service Center at 546 S. Bedford St. in Georgetown.

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More: Fatal overdoses in Delaware appear to be going down, but new troubling trends are emerging

Assistance for those struggling with substance abuse is also available through the following avenues:

  • 911: In cases of overdose or medical emergencies, dial or text 911.
  • 988: For immediate crisis support, dial 988.
  • Delaware 211: Dial 211 or visit delaware211.org for free, confidential assistance in multiple languages.
  • Delaware Hope Line: Call 833-9-HOPEDE (833-946-7333) for 24/7 access to resources, support, and crisis assistance.
  • Treatment Connection: Find nearby treatment providers at TreatmentConnection.com.

Shannon Marvel McNaught reports on southern Delaware and beyond. Reach her at smcnaught@gannett.com or on Twitter @MarvelMcNaught.



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Delaware

Local police departments earn state accreditation

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Local police departments earn state accreditation


The Delaware Police Officer Standards and Training Commission recently announced that the Dewey Beach Police Department and Rehoboth Beach Police Department have both earned state accreditation from the Delaware Police Accreditation Commission.

As part of the rigorous process, a team of DPAC assessors ensured all accreditation standards were met by completing comprehensive, on-site inspections of each agency, reviewing their policies and procedures for compliance, and conducting interviews with department members. 

“This milestone represents a significant step forward for public safety in Delaware. The initial state accreditation of these police agencies reflects a strong commitment to professionalism, accountability and excellence in law enforcement. I commend each department for their dedication to serving their communities with integrity and for upholding the highest standards,” said Joshua Bushweller, Department of Safety and Homeland Security secretary and DPAC chair.



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DDA inducts three Delaware Century Farms – 47abc

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DDA inducts three Delaware Century Farms – 47abc


Dover, Del. – Three farms, one from each of Delaware’s counties, were inducted into the Century Farm Program by the state Department of Agriculture on Thursday at the Delaware Agricultural Museum.

Each of the family farms has been owned and operated for at least a century. Each received a sign for their farms, an engraved plate and legislative tributes.

In addition to Secretary of Agriculture, Don Clifton, and Deputy Secretary Jimmy Kroon, state Senators David Wilson (R – District 18) and Kyra Hoffner (D – District 14) were also in attendance.

Wright Family Farms are located in Harrington in Kent County. In 1919, the farm was purchased by William Wright. Over a century later, William’s grandson, Ronald, is the owner and his great-grandson, Greg, said he hopes to continue the family legacy by buying the farm from his father. 

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Although the event celebrated each family for their hard work and resilience, it also highlighted the challenges farmers have to surmount to stay in business today, let alone for a hundred years.

“The price of equipment, the price of fertilizer, the price of seed, everything is just gone up,” Greg said. “So, you know, everything’s going up that we gotta purchase just to stay in business.”

Clifton, Kroon and Wilson also echoed difficulties in balancing the need to preserve agricultural land with the need to develop housing and sustainable energy projects like solar power.

“I know housing is very important, and we want people to always have good housing, but at some point, I think you’re going to saturate the area with more houses than you have food to feed these people,” Wilson said.

Kroon also said there are difficulties in keeping future generations motivated to stay in farming.

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“When you think about it in the context of multi-generational farm families, there’s a real long-term challenge where a new generation may think twice about whether they want to keep farming if it’s always a struggle,” he said.

Clifton said farming has always been a challenging way of life, but it has been so since time immemorial.

“These families, their experience shows that they have an appreciation for the way of life and perseverance and that’s to be honored and emulated to the greatest extent possible,” he said.

Greg said he hopes to pass down the way of life so that his family legacy can live on for another hundred years, as well as for other families.

“A hundred years as the same family tilling the land, that’s, you know, that’s an honor right there,” Greg said. “And I hope that more farmers who are close to 100 years old will be doing the same thing. You know, keep it in the family.”

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Investigation underway after man’s body pulled from Delaware River

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Investigation underway after man’s body pulled from Delaware River


An investigation is underway after police said a man’s body was pulled from the Delaware River in South Philadelphia.

According to police, around 9 a.m. on Friday, April 17, 2026, emergency responders pulled an unidentified man from the Delaware River, near the Navy Yard. Medic’s pronounced the man dead at 9:11 a.m.

Léelo en español aquí.

SkyForce10 flew above as police and other first responders were on the scene.

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Police are working to determine the circumstances of the incident and identify the man.

This is a developing story; check back here for updates.



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