The Thunder Bay Police Service is warning the public as the city appears to be facing an ongoing spike in overdose deaths linked to suspected fentanyl use.
Frontline officers have observed an apparent increase in suspected overdose cases recently, which has also been observed and publicized by other health and community agencies. In the last 24-hours police have been dispatched to five incidents involving suspected overdoses, at least two of which have been fatal.
In July police have been dispatched to 36 incidents involving suspected drug overdoses, of those 14 were fatal. This does not include other incidents of suspected drug overdoses that police were not dispatched to.
Unlike previous TBPS-issued community safety alerts about the increased prevalence of fatal drug overdoses, ongoing investigations into drug-trafficking activity has not identified a specific batch of narcotics that may be responsible for recent cases.
In addition, conversations with other law enforcement agencies within and outside of our region indicates the apparent and recent spike in suspected fatal overdoses is widespread.
If you are struggling with substance dependency, the Thunder Bay Police Service would like you to be aware that you may be more at risk of coming into contact with fatal and dangerous narcotics at this time. If you do use drugs, you are strongly encouraged to not use alone and utilize the “start low – go slow” strategy.
If you know of a loved one struggling with substance dependency, police encourage you to speak with them about this issue. For more information and resources please visit the Thunder Bay Drug Strategy online at www.thunderbay.ca/en/city-hall/thunder-bay-drug-strategy.aspx
If you are concerned about drugs being sold in your neighbourhood please call police at 684-1200 or submit tips anonymously through Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222—8477, online at www.p3tips.com.
If you suffer from a substance dependency and have fears or anxiety about coming forward to police, we strongly encourage you to speak with family members or friends who may be able to come forward on your behalf.