A community drug alert has been issued after 37 suspected overdoses and one drug-related death were reported in Waterloo Region over the long weekend. “The street drug supply is highly toxic,” the message from Region of Waterloo Public Health said on Tuesday. “Unexpected drugs may be mixed in to any type of street drug without people knowing.” All of the incidents happened over a five-day period between July 30 and Aug. 3. The region said users reported stronger fentanyl than expected. Symptoms included deep sleep, sedation and a very low heart rate. Anyone also experiencing throwing up, chest pain and a loss of awareness is advised to go to the hospital. According to Sanguen Health Centre, the following substances were identified by their Drug Checking Program: Medetomidine (a strong sedative but not an opioid), fentanyl and Para-fluorofentanyl (an opioid similar to fentanyl). If you see someone experiencing an overdose, call 911 immediately. Public health advises administering naloxone in case there are any opioids mixed into the drugs.
