An enhanced $5,000 reward is now being offered by Omaha Crimestoppers for tips leading to the arrests of opioid dealers, after a contribution from Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Nebraska. The reward is the first of its kind in the country.
Law enforcement officials from the State of Nebraska, Douglas County and City of Omaha said the opioid epidemic has not reached Nebraska yet. But they believe it is only a matter of time before there is an increase in fentanyl and carfentanil cases.
A recent Blue Cross and Blue Shield Association Health of America study showed the number of opioid medications filled by Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Nebraska members declined 19 percent from 2014 to 2017.
BCBSNE executive vice president Dr. Joann Schaefer said contributing to the reward helps to continue the progress Nebraska has made in curbing opioid abuse.
Law enforcement officials are confident the enhanced reward will result in calls to Omaha Crimestoppers about dealers of opioids, including heroin.
More on this story: KETV
