Following local trends, the number of reported oxycodone-related deaths decreased in 2011.

 Deaths caused by oxycodone decreased by 17.7 percent compared with 2010, according to the Drugs Identified in Deceased Persons by Florida Medical Examiners 2011 Report. As predicted by local health-care officials, the presence of heroin has increased. The Florida Department of Law Enforcement released the annual report today. Among other findings: Drugs causing the most deaths: benzodiazepines, oxycodone, methadone, cocaine, ethyl alcohol, morphine, hydrocodone and diazepam. Deaths caused by heroin increased 18.8 percent. Deaths caused by cocaine increased by 7.7 percent. For more on this story and for local statistics, see Thursday’s edition of the Sun.