Drug alert issued in Punnichy area after five overdoses, including one fatality

An alert about toxic drugs has been issued for a Saskatchewan village following a string of overdoses, including one fatality.

According to the Saskatchewan Ministry of Health, Mounties from the Punnichy detachment have reported an increase of overdoses in the area. Since Jan. 13, there have been five suspected overdoses reported in the area, including one fatality, which the ministry said was believed to be caused by an overdose of toxic drugs.

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Naloxone, a nasal spray designed to temporarily reverse the effects of an opiate overdose, was administered in several of the cases, the ministry said, and one individual required medical intervention.

“Fentanyl was suspected,” the ministry noted in a statement.

The ministry said it is not certain what the drugs were sold as, but fentanyl is believed to be behind the string of drug-related emergencies.

While using illegal drugs always poses serious health risks, the ministry said some the danger can be “reduced, but not eliminated” by getting a take-home naloxone kit, calling the National Overdose Response Service and using drug-checking supplies or services.

“The Good Samaritan Drug Overdose Act protects individuals who seek emergency help during an overdose or who witness an overdose,” the ministry noted.

“If someone is overdosing, please call 911 immediately.”

The alert will remain in effect until noon on Feb. 4.

Punnichy is located about 125 kilometres northeast of Regina, along Highway 15.