Community drug alert extended after 25 more overdoses, 3 deaths
Posted Aug 18, 2026 03:15:19 PM.
Last Updated Aug 18, 2026 05:32:59 PM.
A community drug alert in Waterloo Region has been extended after more than two dozen additional overdoses were reported along with three deaths.
The drug alert was first issued in early August when 37 suspected overdoses and one drug-related death were reported in less than a week.
Health officials say there were 25 more overdoses and three more suspected drug-related deaths from Aug. 14 to Aug. 17.
It’s not clear what kind of drugs were involved in the overdoses but Sanguen’s Drug Checking Program has found stronger than expected fentanyl that contains other opioids and sedatives.
“People who use unregulated (street) fentanyl may be at greater risk for overdose/ drug poisoning,” read the drug alert.
Drug users are urged to take precautions as the unregulated street supply is highly toxic and unpredictable.
