A take-home naloxone kit, which is used to temporarily counter the effects of an opioid overdose. (980 CJME file photo)

Alert issued for Regina after three suspected drug overdose deaths

By CJME News Aug 31, 2026 | 1:36 PM

The Saskatchewan Ministry of Health has issued an overdose alert for Regina after three deaths on Saturday.

The ministry said all three deaths were suspected drug overdoses, and the cluster of fatalities indicates a higher risk of overdose and death from drugs like cocaine and fentanyl circulating in the area. Alcohol may have been a contributing factor in one of the cases, the ministry noted.

Read more:

The drugs in question, which were either injected or inhaled, appear as a cloudy liquid with white residue at the bottom of the container, the ministry said, or as a solid residue in some cases. While it’s unknown what the drugs were sold as, the ministry said it may have been cocaine in one instance and fentanyl in another.

While using illegal drugs poses health risks, including a risk of overdose and death, the ministry said the risks can be reduced – but not eliminated – by calling 9-1-1 immediately if someone experiences an overdose, getting a take-home Naloxone kit, calling the National Overdose Response Service if using drugs alone and making use of drug-checking supplies or services.

Naloxone, a nasal spray that temporarily reverses the effects of an opioid overdose, will not have any effect on overdoses caused by other substances, like cocaine, the ministry said, but administering the spray is still the best course of action in the event of any overdose.

“If you are in doubt about what type of drug caused the overdose, administer naloxone,” the ministry advised. “Naloxone will not harm the person who is experiencing an overdose.”

The Good Samaritan Drug Overdose Act protects those who seek help from emergency services when experiencing or witnessing an overdose, the ministry noted.

The alert will remain in place until Sept. 7, the ministry added.