OPP warns of fentanyl risks after resident dies, 2 others revived

Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) has issued a warning to the public about the risks of fentanyl after one person died and two others were revived over the weekend.

Police say officers responded to three incidents in Norfolk County in just 12 hours.

A 37-year-old resident was pronounced dead of a suspected overdose and two others in the Simcoe and Port Dover area survived after being revived with the use of naloxone that was administered by Norfolk County Paramedic Services.

OPP is warning residents about the dangers of ingesting fentanyl in any way, even in very small amounts. Police say it can cause serious health issues including death.

“Fentanyl is a highly dangerous, tasteless, odourless substance that can be lethal in very small amounts. It can be altered to any colour and added to other illicit drugs,” said OPP in a news release.

OPP is reminding people of Canada’s Good Samaritan Drug Overdose Act which applies to anyone seeking emergency support during an overdose, including the person experiencing an overdose. The Act protects the person who seeks help from simple drug possession charges, whether they stay or leave from the overdose scene before help arrives.

Anyone looking for local supports may contact their health care provider, the Health Unit of Haldimand/Norfolk, Community Addiction and Mental Health Services of Haldimand and Norfolk and the Canadian Mental Health Association.