Spate of overdoses leads to community drug alert

It’s the first week of November and already, the first community overdose alert for the month has been issued in Waterloo Region.

The Waterloo Region Integrated Drugs Strategy (WRIDS) is raising awareness after a series of drug poisonings since Oct. 31.

In a six-day span, there were 35 reported overdoses locally. No fatalities have been confirmed.

It’s not clear what kind of drugs were involved in the recent rash of overdoses but the colours of concern are deep yellow, pale yellow, orange, and green fentanyl.

The drug checking program at the Kitchener Consumption and Treatment Services (CTS) site also continues to detect strong substances like Xylazine, Medetomidine/Dexmedetomidine, and Oxazepam.

Additionally, concerns have been raised about the unpredictability of the meth supply circulating on city streets.

Drug users are being urged to take extra precautions like never using substances alone, always carrying naloxone, and visiting the downtown CTS. However, that will be a limited option given the provincial government’s plans to shutter the site.