NEW LONDON, Conn. (AP) Prosecutors say demand for heroin is up since raids in April 2013 that led to the arrests and prosecutions of about 50 suspects in a southeast Connecticut drug dealing operation.

Fatal heroin overdoses in New London County and statewide spiked in 2013 and preliminary figures from the state Office of the Chief Medical Examiner indicate more overdoses were recorded in 2014.

Senior Assistant State's Attorney Paul J. Narducc in New London Superior Court said the operation took a lot of players and a lot of drugs off the streets. But he says that when one group is removed, another takes its place.

The Day of New London reports that law enforcement officials say that since the 2013 raids heroin cases in the region have involved smaller quantities.