DANVILLE, Va. – Danville Police confirm that one person has died as a result of taking heroin laced with fentanyl. The person became ill at their home Wednesday night and died Thursday morning at Sovah Health Danville. Authorities have not identified the victim.

Police say at least eight people have been sickened by the tainted drugs. Fentanyl is a synthetic painkiller much more powerful than morphine.

One person has been charged by police with trafficking the batch of drugs suspected of causing the death. 28-year-old Damion Q. Reed faces one count each of intent to distribute a controlled substance and intent to distribute marijuana.

Police warn users that some of the deadly heroin may still be on the streets. They say additional dealers may also be selling the drug.