A pair of drug overdoses in Bradford last month has prompted a safety alert from South Simcoe Police.
On March 21, police said emergency crews were dispatched around 5:21 a.m. after a call was received about a male who may have suffered a drug overdose.
Once first responders located the person who place the call, they entered a wooded area near Line 8 and Yonge Street and found a 29-year-old homeless man who was not responsive.
"A small quantity of drugs was found at the scene, which officers seized for analysis. In addition to the drugs found, drug paraphernalia was scattered throughout a tent the man was found in. The male was deceased due to a suspected drug overdose. A substance suspected to be fentanyl was seized at the scene," police said in a news release.
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The next day, around 1:30 a.m., an officer on patrol found a 34-year-old man next to a vehicle behind a retail plaza in Bradford. Other officers attended the scene and administered naloxone and CPR. Paramedics transported the man to hospital where he was pronounced dead.
"Drug paraphernalia was seized by officers at the scene and will be analyzed to determine the drugs the deceased had taken prior to their death," according to the news released.
Toxicology tests in both cases are pending.
The South Simcoe Police Service is reminding everyone that any street drug is considered dangerous and potentially lethal. There are many additives that can be included in street drugs that can lead to an individual quickly becoming incapacitated and unable to help themselves.
Fentanyl that has been seized by the South Simcoe Police Service in the past has been found to contain additives including Benzodiazepines, Nitazenes (synthetic opioids), and Xylazine (veterinary sedative). These additives can cause severe respiratory depression, and naloxone will not reverse its effects.
Furthermore, South Simcoe Police are reminding the public about the provisions of the Good Samaritan Drug Overdose Act. The provisions of this Act will protect someone who is experiencing a drug-related emergency from being charged and prosecuted with drug offenses if they seek assistance from emergency services. In addition, this Act will protect a third party from being charged and prosecuted for drug offenses if they call for assistance on someone else’s behalf who is experiencing a drug related emergency.
For information about accessing addiction services in Simcoe County, consider visiting the following websites:
Simcoe Addiction and Mental Health
Simcoe Muskoka District Health Unit
