2 deaths, 5 overdoses prompt drug alert in Guelph

Two people are dead and five others have overdosed in Guelph in the past week after it's believed they used a drug that was a mix of opioids, cocaine and psychoactive benzodiazepines, health officials say.

Benzodiazepines are typically used to treat various ailments including sleep disorders, seizures and anxiety, Health Canada says on its website.

The Wellington Guelph Drug Strategy issued an alert on Wednesday warning about the potent batch of drugs. The group is a coalition of agencies in the area that work in addictions, treatment and harm reduction.

"Please be aware that substances may [be] stronger and/or contain substances different than what you're usedto," the alert said.

The alert reminded people not to use drugs alone but to also maintain a physical distance from others because of COVID-19. It also told people who usedrugs to "start low and go slow," and to try just a third of a normal dose when using a newly purchased drug.

The consumption and treatment services site in Guelph remains open during the COVID-19 pandemic.