Suspected fentanyl responsible for two overdoses in Owen Sound.

The Owen Sound Police Service is warning the public about 2 separate strains of very potent, potentially deadly suspected Fentanyl that has made it on to the streets of Owen Sound. The one strain of the suspected Fentanyl is described as being rusty-red colour while the second strain is purple in colour.

On June 28th, 2018 at approximately 3:00pm police and paramedics responded to an apartment in the downtown core for a report of male who had overdosed. Prior to the arrival of police and paramedics, Naloxone had been administered immediately after the male collapsed, however the male did not respond. The 41 year old male was rushed to hospital. Lifesaving efforts by paramedics and Emerge staff were unsuccessful and the male passed away. Police investigation revealed that the male had consumed the red coloured suspected Fentanyl. An autopsy will be performed to confirm the cause of death. Police will not be releasing the name of the victim.

Approximately 10 minutes later, police and paramedics responded to a community drop-in center in the downtown core for a second report of an overdose. Prior to arrival the 29 year old male had been administered Naloxone. The male recovered from the overdose. He refused to be transported to hospital for further medical assessment. Police investigation revealed the male had consumed the purple coloured suspected Fentanyl.

The Owen Sound Police Service Drug Unit and Criminal Investigations Branch are actively investigating, trying to determine the source of the suspected Fentanyl. Anyone with information is asked to contact the Owen Sound Police Service or Crime Stoppers.

source: media release, OSPS