Kitchener-Waterloo

3 suspected overdose deaths prompt warning from Waterloo Region Integrated Drugs Strategy

Waterloo Region's Integrated Drugs Strategy says there have been three suspected overdose deaths or poisonings between March 19 and 26.

There have been 306 suspected drug poisonings in Waterloo region so far this year and 11 deaths

A white tablet cut in two, with powder.
The Waterloo Region Drug Strategy says there have been three suspected overdose and poisoning deaths in Waterloo region. (Radio-Canada)

The Waterloo Region Drug Strategy has issued an alert after three suspected overdose deaths in the community between March 19 and 26.

The organization says Kitchener's consumption and treatment site's drug checking program recently detected samples of fentanyl combined with "various new fentanyl analogues" like Bromazolam, Xylazine, and Medetomidine or Dexmedetomidine.

The drug strategy adds that the connection between the substances identified and the suspected drug overdose and poisonings is not clear. 

"The unregulated drug supply is unpredictable and unexpected reactions may occur," the drug strategy said in its warning. "Multiple doses of naloxone may be required."

According to data on its website, there have been 306 suspected overdose poisonings in Waterloo region so far this year and 11 deaths.