THUNDER BAY - An increase in the number of overdoses throughout the Northwest region is prompting the Ontario Provincial Police to issue a warning about potential lethal street drugs circulating in the region.
According to the OPP, there were two fatal overdoses on Sept. 8, bringing the total number of fatalities to 10 since January.
There has also been a total of 73 non-fatal overdoses that have involved the administering of naloxone by first responders or members of the public that have saved people’s lives.
“Fentanyl is an extremely potent synthetic opioid. You can't see it. You can't smell it. You can't taste it. Fentanyl can be lethal in small quantities. If someone's drug choice is mixed with or contains fentanyl, it can potentially kill them,” said Det. Staff Sgt. Curtis Peckford
Overdoses are investigated under the direction of the Northwest Region Crime Unit. The OPP is warning residents that those who sell opioids can be charged with manslaughter or criminal negligence causing death of the individual who purchases the drugs dies from an overdose.
“We will hold those people who are trafficking these harmful substances in our communities accountable for these deaths,” said chief superintendent Bryan MacKillop. “Anytime that we disrupt a criminal operation, we send a very clear message that police will identify and aggressively pursue those individuals who threaten the safety of our citizens."
Anyone with information regarding the trafficking of illegal street drugs is asked to contact the OPP at 1-888-310-1122 or provide information anonymously by calling Crimestoppers at 1-800-222-8477. Online information can be provided at ontariocrimestoppers.ca.
