RCMP warning of dangerous, illicit drugs in the southeast following fatal overdoses

Saskatchewan RCMP is warning the public of the presence of dangerous illicit drugs in the south and southeast areas of Saskatchewan.

RCMP officers responded to three fatal overdoses involving suspected methamphetamine or fentanyl in the past week.

• On February 9, Assiniboia RCMP responded to a report of an unresponsive man found in a residence in Assiniboia. EMS declared the 21-year-old man deceased at the scene. Police officers found crystals and an off-white powder at the scene suspected to be methamphetamine (meth) 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 deceased at the scene. Police officers found a light-coloured powder at the scene suspected to contain methamphetamine (meth) or fentanyl.

• 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 was pronounced deceased. Police officers found a white powder at the scene suspected to contain methamphetamine (meth) or fentanyl.

Through police investigation, the illicit drugs suspected to have been consumed prior to the three fatal overdoses are believed to be methamphetamine (meth) or fentanyl made available to the public in a powder form.

Autopsies and toxicology analyses will be performed by the Saskatchewan Coroners Service to confirm the nature and role of the illicit drugs in the suspected overdoses.

Saskatchewan RCMP is urging the public who consumes illicit drugs to take special precautions when using:

• Never use alone,
• Let someone you trust know of your plans to use,
• Always carry a Naloxone kit. They are available free of charge at many locations in the province,
• 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.

If you have information regarding these incidents or the substances involved in these incidents, The Saskatchewan RCMP ask you call them at 306-310-RCMP.