An illegal street drug you might not think of being a problem here in Central Wisconsin appears to be the drug of choice in Antigo.

Heroin use is on the rise and the Police Chief Eric Roller says in the last 6 months... 5 people almost died after taking the drug.

Most recently, officers revived a 24-year old man and a 19 year old woman who had overdosed earlier this week.

The Chief says they have seen an increase in people overdosing on heroin and needing medical attention.

He says the drug is making it's way to Antigo primarily from larger cities.

While officers focused their resources toward cracking down on reducing prescription drug abuse Heroin quickly became the drug of choice in the area.

"I think [Heroin is] a more similar high to some of the prescription drugs and they may not have an easy time getting their hands on thoses, Heroin may be more readily available."

The Chief says drug officers on the streets have seen Heroin in multiple forms ranging from pure.... to mixed with other substances.

He says teens to middle aged adults are paying 30 to 80 dollars for 1 tenth of a gram... which equals about one high.

Chief Roller says the potency of the Heroin could also be affecting the number of people overdosing simply because people aren't using a consistent product.

"What we are noticing it doesn't matter how much you take it's pushing these people to the edge of death and officers or EMTs will have to revive these people."

Chief Roller says delivery and possession are both felonies,and each carries a maximum of 12 and a half years in prison or a $25,000 fine.

The fine increases if you are caught with more than 3 grams.

The Chief says undercover officers are stepping up their enforcement and the police department is offering cash rewards for tips that lead to an arrest.

If you have any information on drug activity you are asked to call Langlade County Crime Stoppers at (715)627-6245.

You can also report tips on their website, the link is listed below.