According to a report from Saskatchewan RCMP, they’ve responded to three fatal overdoses involving suspected methamphetamine or fentanyl in the past week.
The RCMP is now warning the public of dangerous illicit drugs being present in the south and southeast areas of Saskatchewan.
On February 9, Assiniboia RCMP responded to a report of an unresponsive man found in a residence in Assiniboia. The 21-year-old man was declared dead at the scene.
Police officers found crystals and an off-white powder at the scene that was suspected to be methamphetamine or fentanyl.
On February 13, Moosomin RCMP responded to a report of an unresponsive man found in a hotel room in Moosomin. EMS and police officers attempted CPR but the 22-year-old man was declared dead at the scene.
Police officers found a light-coloured powder at the scene that was also suspected to contain methamphetamine or fentanyl.
Then, on February 14, Canora/Sturgis RCMP responded to a report of an unresponsive woman found outside a residence in Preeceville. The 50-year-old female was taken to the Preeceville Hospital by EMS where she then died.
Police officers found a white powder at the scene that was suspected to be methamphetamine or fentanyl.
Autopsies and toxicology analyses will be performed by the Saskatchewan Coroners Service to confirm the nature and role of the illicit drugs in these suspected overdoses.
Saskatchewan RCMP is urging the public who consumes illicit drugs to take special precautions when using.
Their advice is to never use alone, let someone you trust know of your plans to use, always carry a Naloxone kit, and call 911 if you suspect an overdose is occurring.
For more information on ways to protect yourself, or someone you know, when using illicit drugs, read Saskatchewan RCMP renews warnings about the dangers of illicit drugs after recent overdoses.