Police officers and medics describe a clear and dramatic increase in opioid overdoses on Martha’s Vineyard over the past six months. When emergency responders respond to a suspected overdose, the drug naloxone and a quick response can be life savers.

Two men arrested late last week in Oak Bluffs have been arraigned on drug charges related to distributing oxycodone pills on the Vineyard, according to police. Joel C. Rebello and Donald S. Berube were arraigned Monday on charges of trafficking oxycodone and conspiracy to violate drug law.

Edgartown police had an unusual lost and found call this weekend: a bag of heroin was found in an Edgartown park.

Det. Sgt. Chris Dolby said someone going to work in downtown Edgartown Saturday saw a plastic bag sitting on the foot path in a park tucked away off Main street. The person thought it looked suspicious and told a traffic cop, who in turn called a patrolman.

Island police and members of the drug treatment community agree that heroin use on the Island is on the rise, along with fatal drug overdoses.

Oak Bluffs police have identified a 50-year-old Oak Bluffs man who was found dead in a Barnes Road residence Wednesday as James Christopher (Chris) Walker. The cause of death remains under investigation, police said. Mr. Walker's roommate has been charged with heroin trafficking.