Drug alert issued after dozens of overdoses and deaths
Posted Jun 2, 2026 06:35:45 AM.
Last Updated Jun 2, 2026 11:07:56 AM.
A Community Drug Alert has been issued for Waterloo Region, after dangerous mixing of street drugs has led to numerous overdoses and deaths.
The Overdose Monitoring Alert and Response System (OMARS) is behind the alert which showed 38 suspected overdoses/drug poisonings from May 27 to May 31.
The five day period also saw two suspected drug-related deaths.
Sanguen’s Drug Checking Program is warning of fentanyl with a large amount of both non-opioids and opioids mixed in, as well as a new troubling substance.
“Nefopam is a non-opioid pain-relieving drug, which can cause some sedation. It is currently not approved for use in Canada,” reads the alert.
“Meth mixed with Xylazine. If someone is very sleepy or hard to wake after using crystal meth, xylazine may mixed in. Do not use more meth — this can increase overdose risk.”
The last week of May saw an increase in reports of complex overdoses and complex withdrawal as well.
A full list of signs to watch out for, and the alert itself, can be read here.
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