Region of Peel: Peel Regional Police want to make the community aware of the unpredictable nature of illicit narcotics that contain combinations that are posing additional risk to public safety, namely drug overdoses.
Since March 5, 2021, there have been six reported overdoses, resulting in two deaths, believed to be related to illicit drug use in the Region of Peel.
Illicit drugs have been revealed by Health Canada to contain combinations of narcotics, including Heroin, Cocaine, Carfentanil and Fentanyl.
These combination drugs are manufactured illegally and in ways that cause inconsistency in potency. This process makes the combination drugs unpredictable and increasingly life-threatening for users.
Peel Regional Police want to make the community aware of the unpredictable nature of combination drugs, and when purchasing illicit drugs, there is this additional risk factor.
Peel Regional Police is committed to preserving life by making efforts to remove these drugs from the streets, keeping them out of the hands of unsuspecting users, and honouring the “Good Samaritan Act.”
This act encourages individuals to assist a victim in distress without fear of punishment. Peel Regional Police officers are equipped with Naloxone. If you find yourself witnessing an emergency happening with a friend or family member using illicit drugs, be a good Samaritan, and please contact 911 to help save their life.
Someone may have overdosed if they:
• Can’t stay awake, walk or talk
• Are breathing slowly or not at all
• Have a limp body
Other signs of overdose include:
• Not responding to noise or knuckles being rubbed hard on their breastbone
• Snoring or gurgling sounds
• Pale or blue skin – especially on their nail beds and lips – and they feel cold
• Tiny pupils (pinpoint) or their eyes are rolled back
• Vomiting
Participating Ontario pharmacies offer free injectable and nasal spray naloxone kits. You don’t need a prescription to obtain a kit. The pharmacist will train you on how to recognize an opioid overdose and explain how to use the naloxone kit, information on a free kit.
Anyone with information in relation to the production and sale of illicit narcotics is urged to call the Peel Regional Police Specialized Enforcement Bureau at (905)453-2121, ext.3515.
Information may also be left anonymously by calling Peel Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-TIPS ( 8477 ), or by visiting peelcrimestoppers.ca.