Three suspected opioid overdoses prompt warning from Guelph police

Guelph police have issued a public safety warning after three suspected overdoses over the weekend.

Police say three victims were sent to hospital after exhibiting symptoms of an overdose"similar to those that occur when someone has ingested a powerful opioid, such as fentanyl."

Police suspect the victims believed they were ingesting cocaine at the time, and say dangerous opioids have been showing up in drugs like cocaine more frequently in recent years.

Although police say they discourage the use of illicit drugs, they encourage anyone who does to visit the overdose prevention site atGuelph Community Health Centre (CHC). They also suggest carrying naloxoneand having a second personpresent to help administer the medication if needed.

Earlier this month, the Wellington Guelph Drug Strategy issued a warning about blue/purple fentanyl in the community after two people overdosedand one person nearly overdosed at Guelph CHC.

Guelph police have said chargesfor fentanyl possession nearly doubled in 2018 compared to the previous year.