In the last month, Roanoke Rapids narcotics agents have seized 100 bindles of heroinand since 2011, two deaths have been attributed to heroin overdoses, according to Chief Thomas Hathaway.

“Heroin issues have been a plague for some cities for 50 years,” Hathaway said.

The rise in Roanoke Rapids, however, came in 2011 when agents raided a residence where the drug was being sold. “It was being sold to people not from this area,” said the chief, who explained dealers set up shop here with a supply apparently originating through the Tidewater area in Virginia through Greenville and Scotland Neck.

Bindles seized as evidence. The drugs have been sent off for analysis.

Users, Captain Andy Jackson said, “Brought their addiction with them.”

The abuse of prescription drugs has always been rampant, Hathaway said, and law enforcement on all levels fell behind the curve.

To rein in the problem, the Drug Enforcement Administration, the North Carolina State Bureau of Investigation and local law enforcement began working pharmacies and doctors to prevent doctor shopping. Those safeguards, however, didn't account for the physical cravings an opiate addiction has.

Jackson said one 17-year-old local addict began using heroin at 13.

The first heroin bust resulted in at least 16 bindles of heroin being seized and 10 to 12 people arrested.

Since then, there have been investigations to other crimes tied to the heroin trade, including the arrest of man in August for a 2012 jewel heist at J.C. Penney.

The crimes committed that are fueled from heroin addictions are similar to those fueled by other addictions, Jackson said. “We see increased car break-ins and business break-ins.”

Hathaway said most local pharmacies are careful to store needles out of the view from the customers.

For the police department's part, it will be trying to impart awareness through public education and partnering with other area law enforcement as well as trying to hold people responsible for their actions, Hathaway said.

As some children are beginning to use heroin, parents need to look for bruises on the arms, needle marks and change in mood, Jackson said.

While normal for teens to lock their rooms, Hathaway said parents need to look for signs of alienation and search their rooms.

The health affects of heroin abuse have long been documented, Jackson said, from heart infections and pneumonia to hepatitis and HIV.

“One individual, the 13-year-old, was hanging out with buddies and he smoked heroin. While still high, he was injected and has been doing it ever since,” Jackson said, referencing its ease of addiction.