Saugeen Shores, Ontario Canada
For EMERGENCIES call 9-1-1   Police Station: 519-832-2500

Dangerous Drug confirmed in Saugeen Shores

January 7, 2021

PRESENCE OF DANGEROUS DRUG CONFIRMED IN SAUGEEN SHORES

 

On August 28th 2020 Saugeen Shores Police entered into a weapons investigation in the Town of Saugeen Shores after a report of a suspicious person in Port Elgin, ON.

As a result of the investigation the following items were seized:

  • Brass knuckles
  • Two airsoft pistols
  • A baggy of unknown purple powder

Police sent the purple powder to the Centre of Forensic Sciences for analysis.

On January 7th 2021 Saugeen Shores Police were made aware that the unknown purple powder contained a mixture of substances including Fentanyl and Etizolam.

Etizolam is described as a benzodiazepine substance similar to Diazepam but 10 times more toxic. This drug is not an opioid but would fall in the category of a Central Nervous System Depressant.

One of the major concerns police have regarding the presence of Etizolam is that its effects can not be reversed by administering the overdose drug Naloxone.

Harm Reduction advice includes:

      Avoiding using alone. When using with someone else, avoid using at the same time. Call the OVERDOSE PREVENTION LINE at 1-888-853-8542 if you must use alone

      Avoiding mixing different drugs. Mixing drugs, including alcohol, increases the risk of overdose.

      Going slow. Use smaller amounts and do test doses to check the strength of the drug.

      Knowing your tolerance. The current street supply may be toxic and fatal.

      Getting overdose prevention training and carrying a Naloxone kit.

Overdose is a medical emergency. Call 911 or go to the Emergency Department. The Good Samaritan Drug Overdose Act provides protection from simple possession charges when 911 is called for an overdose.

Naloxone is available for free from pharmacies and at the Grey Bruce Health Unit Mon-Fri 8:30 am - 4 pm, no appointment needed.

For those looking for support: Mental Health Crisis Line of Grey Bruce: 1-877-470-5200,                 

 ConnexOntario:  1-866-531-2600  or the Rapid Access Addiction Medicine Clinic: 519-376-3999.

 Media Relations Officer

Constable Stacey Gordon

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