York – Investigators with the York Regional Police #5 District Criminal Investigations Bureau is reminding the community about the life-threatening dangers of fentanyl use after three deaths and one overdose incident that was treated in hospital in the last two days.
Between Friday, April 28, 2023, and Saturday, April 29, 2023, officers responded three calls that are related to drug overdoses in the area of Robinson Street and Highway 48 in the City of Markham. Investigators believe that at least three deaths and one overdose is connected to fentanyl.
Residents are reminded that if fentanyl is mistaken for another less-potent opioid like morphine, heroin or oxycodone, overdoses can easily occur. Depending on how it’s administered, the user may not notice the difference until it’s too late. In addition, some drugs can contain contaminants that are hard or impossible to detect. Symptoms of an overdose include slow, irregular and shallow respirations, pinpoint pupils, muscle rigidity, seizures and unconsciousness leading to coma. Minor effects include dizziness, drowsiness, headache, sleepiness, nausea and vomiting.
Never use drugs alone and ensure you have a Naloxone kit available for an emergency. Avoid mixing drugs and be very careful about dosage. Learn the signs and symptoms of an overdose and call 9-1-1 immediately if you think you or a friend could be overdosing. York Regional Police is committed to combatting the distribution of opioids in our community. Opioids | York Region. For more information contact York Regional Police Corporate Communications, at 1-866-876-5423, ext. 2664.