Prescription drugs -- like the heroin replacement drug methadone and the painkillers OxyContin and Vicodin -- are contributing to more fatal drug overdoses in Porter County than street drugs like heroin, cocaine, ecstasy and methamphetamine.

Porter County coroner's office statistics show that in 2006, 16 people died of overdoses in which prescription drugs were a factor. In the first three months of this year, eight people died of overdoses in which prescription drugs were a factor.

"We're seeing more and more of it," Robert Taylor, Porter County Drug Task Force coordinator, said of prescription drugs.

"It's unbelievable to me prescription drugs tied in with alcohol or cocaine are causing the majority of our deaths."

Taylor said he and his group of undercover officers continue to see a lot of pill dealing and usage.

Task force statistics show that this year and the past three years, undercover officers have made the most cases against people because of cocaine. Marijuana is the second most common drug each year, while heroin and pills have alternated in third place.

"I think it's just another drug (people want to try)," Taylor said of prescription drugs.

"We've been arresting a few people for fraudulent prescriptions and people in possession of a controlled substance, which is prescription pills which they don't have a prescription for," added Portage police Sgt. Keith Hughes.

Taylor said people take pills intended to treat health conditions and use them recreationally. Many become addicted, especially to painkillers.

Taylor said many people get their supplies by "doctor shopping" -- going to a variety of doctors and claiming to be in pain to get a large supply of drugs. Other drug users call in phony prescriptions or steal pills from family members or others, Taylor said.

Pills fetch a price of $5 to $10 each on the streets -- affordable for many people. Taylor said users often mix pills with alcohol or illegal drugs.

"You're going to get a high off it or you're going to end up dead," Taylor said.

Taylor said the most commonly abused prescription drugs are painkillers, the heroin replacement drug methadone and the anti-anxiety drug Xanax.