There are concerns over a potential batch of lethal drugs circulating in the region.
Since January of this year, there have been ten fatal overdoses in the North West Region and 73 incidents where emergency responders or the public have had to administer Naloxone to save the person’s life.
“Fentanyl is an extremely potent synthetic opioid,” says Detective Staff Sgt. Curtis Peckford. “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.”
As we see the number of overdose deaths rise, the regional police are warning that if you sell opioids to someone and they die, you can face charges of manslaughter or criminal negligence causing death.
“We will hold those people who are trafficking these harmful substances in our communities accountable for these deaths,” explains 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.”
The overdose issue and investigations are under the direction of the Northwest Region Crime Unit.
Members of the public with information regarding the trafficking of illegal street drugs are asked to contact the OPP at 1-888-310-1122 or can provide information anonymously by calling CrimeStoppers at 1-800-222-8477. Online information can be provided at ontariocrimestoppers.ca
