KENORA – NEWS – The Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) in Kenora are sounding the alarm following a spike in suspected drug overdoses in the region. Officers are currently investigating at least one suspected fatal overdose, as concerns grow around the increased presence and potency of illicit opioids in Northwestern Ontario communities.
The OPP warns that illegally produced opioids often lack any form of quality control, leading to dangerously inconsistent potency. This makes the risk of overdose significantly higher, particularly when substances are not obtained through a licensed pharmacy. Compounding the danger, some of these street drugs may contain substances that reduce or counteract the life-saving effects of naloxone.
Residents are urged to remain vigilant and to call 911 immediately if an overdose is suspected. The Good Samaritan Drug Overdose Act offers legal protection against simple drug possession charges for individuals seeking emergency medical assistance during an overdose, aiming to remove barriers to calling for help. Police stress the importance of staying with the individual in crisis until emergency services arrive.
Signs of an overdose include:
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Deep sleep or unconsciousness
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Slowed or no breathing or heartbeat
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Pinpoint pupils
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Choking, gurgling sounds
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Cold, clammy skin
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Blue or purple lips and nails
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Limp body
The OPP also advises the public not to touch or handle any unknown substances. Some opioids, such as fentanyl and its analogues, can be hazardous even through skin contact or inhalation. Instead, any suspected illegal drugs should be reported to police.
This warning is part of the OPP’s ongoing commitment to public safety and their broader efforts, in collaboration with community partners, to confront the opioid crisis that continues to grip communities across Ontario.
