BATTLEFORDS — Update, April 16: Investigation determined the sudden deaths initially believed to be related to this report are not suspicious in nature. As such, police say they will not be sharing further details to be mindful of the privacy of the deceased.
No further reports of sudden deaths or illness potentially related to a report of a possible hazardous beverage or liquid have been made to police at this time.
The initial warning was issued out of caution after a report was made to police. Police welcome reports of this nature so investigators can further assess whether notification about potential dangers to the public is required. If there is any further information to share with the public, police say they will do so.
Original post, March 7: On March 6, RCMP said there have been no further reports of sudden deaths or illness potentially related to the report of a hazardous drink circulating in the Battlefords area.
The initial warning about a hazardous beverage or liquid was issued out of caution after a report was made, say police, adding they welcome reports of this nature so investigators can further assess whether notification about potential dangers to the public is required.
Currently, there is no indication of an increased risk to the public, though Battlefords RCMP continue to remind the public to exercise caution and not consume any unknown beverages or liquid substances. If there is any further information to share with the public, police say they will do so.
On March 5, police said Battlefords RCMP officers identified two sudden deaths that initially appeared to be potentially connected, and issued a report that there was a possibly hazardous beverage or liquid substance circulating in the Battlefords area.
Given the potential safety risk involved, the RCMP issued a warning to the public to exercise caution and not consume any unknown beverages or unknown liquid substances. There is no connection with commercially available beverages, they said.
Battlefords RCMP first warned the public on March 3, saying they were investigating multiple sudden deaths reported in the area in the past week. They cautioned, however, that RCMP, in conjunction with the Saskatchewan Coroners Service, were in the preliminary stages of determining whether or not the sudden deaths were related to this report. Families were being notified.
Police are encouraging anyone with information about this investigation to make a police report by calling 310-RCMP or call Crime Stoppers anonymously at 1-800-222-8477.
