The Anishinabek Police Service is issuing a drug alert for Nipissing First Nation after reports of two suspected overdoses in the past 24 hours, one of which was fatal. “Our hearts and thoughts are with the family, friends and loved ones of the person who lost their life,” said the Indigenous police force in a news release Wednesday. Police said based on limited information, it is believed that fentanyl may have been consumed in both incidents, possibly unknowingly. The service has asked anyone in the First Nation community who uses drugs to exercise extreme caution. Recommended precautions The Anishinabek Police Service is recommending the following precautions: Call 911 immediately “If someone shows typical signs of an overdose or unusual signs of an overdose (such as seizures), please call 911 immediately so that first responders can administer lifesaving measures,” said police. “The Good Samaritan Drug Overdose Act provides broad legal protections for anyone seeking emergency support during a drug poisoning, including the person experiencing the poisoning.” The service said this means citizens, including youth, will not be charged for offences such as simple possession for calling 911 in an emergency. First responders carry naloxone Anishinabek Police Service frontline officers and many other first responders in our communities carry naloxone and want to assist. The First Nation says support is also available to all members through Nipissing First Nation Right Path Counselling and Prevention Services.
