The Saskatchewan Coroners Service is warning the public to be aware of the dangers posed by illegal street drugs after two deaths in Regina.
The two deaths remain under investigation by both the Saskatchewan Coroners Service and Regina Police.
Chief Coroner Clive Weighill held a conference on Friday in Saskatoon saying they requested an expedited toxicology test on the individuals.
“It’s come back with a highly lethal amount of fentanyl and methamphetamine, we’re concerned that it’s a bad bunch of drugs that’s in there right now. We want to warn the people of Regina and the surrounding area to be careful of what you’re buying,” he told reporters.
“We know people are going to buy illicit drugs, there’s no use in hiding our head in the sand about that, but I think it’s fair that people should be warned that we know this is in the community right now and that all precautions should be taken when you’re buying any illegal drug.”
Chief Coroner Clive Weighill.
Regina Police says that it is aware of 67 instances of non-fatal drug overdoses in the city since January 1, 2020, on top of the two deaths currently under investigation.
Saskatchewan residents who are at risk of an opioid overdose or those who might witness an opioid, or those who might witness an opioid overdose, such as family and friends, are eligible for a free Take Home Naloxone kit and training on how to use it.
With Naloxone numbers in question in Saskatchewan, Weighill said sooner or later these drugs were going to find their way into Saskatchewan.
“I think we need to be talking about it. Making sure our parents are talking to their kids about it and we need to warn people that there are these illicit drugs in our community that could cause a definite harm.”
Along with fentanyl and methamphetamine, another drug is being recognized in the process called Etizolam, which is a sedative. This concerns Weighill because the province hasn’t seen much of it to this point.
People can find a Take Home Naloxone Program near them by going to www.saskatchewan.ca/opioids or by calling HealthLine 811.
Naloxone temporarily reverses the effects of an opioid overdose, restoring breathing in minutes.
Naloxone treatment does not replace the need for immediate medical attention. If you suspect an overdose, call 911 immediately.
(With files from Josh Sigurdson and CJWW)
