SOUTHEY — Police are warning the public of dangerous illicit drugs in the area of Punnichy and Southey.
Over the past two weeks, police have responded to numerous overdoses - including two fatalities over the weekend. Fentanyl is suspected to be involved in the incidents, according to initial investigations, but police say this cannot be confirmed until toxicology results verify the fact.
"If you choose to use, we are urging you to be cautious - use small amounts and don't use alone," said Sgt. Kim Stewart of the Southey RCMP. "For anyone in this affected area, we need you to ask yourself: do you know what to do if someone around you overdoses?"
Some signs of a potential overdose include slow or weak breathing, making gurgling or choking sounds, and lips or fingernails turning blue.
"They may be dizzy, confused, or seem exhausted," Sgt. Stewart explained. "If you see these signs, call 911 immediately."
A preventative measure suggested by Sgt. Stewart is to keep naloxone on hand. The kits are available free of charge through the Government of Saskatchewan, or can be purchased at many pharmacies across the province.
"It's a fast-acting drug used to temporarily reverse the effects of overdoses caused by opioids," Sgt. Stewart explained. "It's not hard to administer, either. Emergency responders carry it, as do frontline RCMP officers, but did you know you can, too?"
Getting these dangerous drugs off the street continues to be a top priority for RCMP, and anyone with information about drug trafficking in the area can report to their nearest police service, or call Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-8477 (TIPS).
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