Lloydminster police respond to 5 overdoses in single day

Fentanyl that was seized is displayed before a news conference at RCMP headquarters, in Surrey, B.C., on Thursday, October 31, 2024

Five people are believed to have overdosed on drugs in Lloydminster on Monday, prompting a warning from police, who took one person to hospital when an ambulance was delayed.

RCMP said the five separate incidents happened over a span of seven hours.

All five people are recovering.

“Investigation has not yet indicated where the drugs consumed were purchased. Though drug analysis still needs to be completed, it is suspected that these drugs may have been laced or have higher levels of opioids than expected,” Mounties said in a news release Tuesday.

They issued a reminder of the signs of fentanyl overdose:

• slow, irregular and shallow breathing;
• pinpoint pupils;
• muscle stiffness;
• seizures; and
• unconsciousness.

They also advised people who use drugs to:

• avoid using while alone or ask someone to stay on the phone who can call for help if needed;
• know the signs and symptoms of poisoning or overdose;
• carry a naloxone kit and know how to use it; and
• consider using the Digital Overdose Response System app.