FISHERS, Ind. -- Heroin use is becoming more prevalent in Hamilton County, with cases in 2009 up dramatically over 2008.

The Hamilton/Boone County Drug Task Force said it handled six heroin-related cases in 2008 and that they've dealt with nine cases so far this year. At that rate, heroin arrests could triple for the year, 6News' Renee Jameson reported.

Officials said the highly-addictive drug, three times as potent as morphine, is relatively inexpensive and more available in central Indiana.

"It's not a glamorous drug. We call it a dirty drug, a very dirty drug because of the sharing of needles," said Maj. Lee Goodman, of the drug task force.

A three-month investigation led to the recent arrest of Desiree Henson, 19, who was charged with dealing and possession of heroin. If convicted, she could spend several years in jail.

Heroin use is growing rapidly among people age 18 to 23, and many addicts are selling to support their habit.

Dr. Greg Pugh, who works in the emergency department at St. Vincent's Hospital in Fishers, said numerous health issues stem from heroin use.

"If you fall into the cycle of addiction, which most people who take heroin do, you're at risk of infection -- either skin infection, even heart valves can become infected," Pugh said.

A heroin high typically lasts up to six hours, and users almost immediately look for their next score of the drug when that high ends.

"We're doing everything possible to get the drug out of the area and to educate parents as well as the kids as to what the effects of heroin are," Goodman said.

Officials think the drug is coming to central Indiana from the Chicago area.

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