‘Cause for concern’: Halton Police respond to 12 overdoses in 11 days
Published July 23, 2020 at 7:27 pm
The Halton Regional Police Service said there is a “significant cause for concern” after officers attended 12 overdoses in the region in the last 11 days.
The Halton Regional Police Service said there is a “significant cause for concern” after officers attended 12 overdoses in the region in the last 11 days.
Two of those overdoses were fatal and involved unknown substances, according to police.
“This many suspected opioid overdoses ocurring in our community in such a short period of time is a high-water mark for us and a significant cause for concern,” says Detective Sergeant Paul Foley of the Drugs and Human Trafficking Unit.
There have been 97 suspected overdoses in the region, 14 of which were fatal.
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Police said a variety of substances are believed to have played a role in 10 of the overdoses over the last 11 days, including cocaine, heroin, fentanyl, Xanax, Methylenedioxymethamphetamine (MDMA / Ecstasy / ‘Molly’), Ketamine (‘Special K’, ‘Vitamin K’) and oxycodone.
Detective Sergeant Paul Foley underscored the importance of calling 9-1-1 immediately if you suspect you are witnessing or experiencing an overdose. “Our officers and other first responders in Halton carry naloxone and we want to assist.”
The Good Samaritan Drug Overdose Act provides broad legal protections for anyone seeking emergency support during an overdose.
Officers are required to prevent a fatal overdose, not pursue simple possession charges.
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