First overdose alert of 2024 in Waterloo Region after six deaths

The first community drug alert of 2024 has been issued in Waterloo Region after six deaths were reported.

According to the alert from the Waterloo Region Integrated Drugs Strategy, there were six suspected overdose-related deaths from Jan. 10 to Jan. 22.

Four of the deaths occurred in the last week.

Staff at the Consumption and Treatment Services (CTS) site in downtown Kitchener have also reportedly encountered several samples of fentanyl that were combined with other substances.

Those substances include Para-fluorofentanyl, Bromazolam, and Xylazine.

Drug users are urged to take precautions, like visiting the CTS site on Duke Street and utilizing the Drug Checking Program.

Community members should also never use illicit substances alone and always carry naloxone.

It took less than a month but the first community drug alert of 2024 has been issued in Waterloo Region.

It comes after six suspected overdose deaths were reported from Jan. 10 to Jan. 22, including four in the last week. https://t.co/PYefHQUsR1

— Erin Anderson (@erinbailey_a) January 22, 2024