Growing Number of Deaths from Fentanyl Overdoses
THUNDER BAY – The City of Thunder Bay has the highest per-capita opioid overdose death rate in Ontario. High addiction rates among the city’s vulnerable, along with statistics showing significant and growing trends of opioid-related overdoses and deaths, led first responders and other health officials to declare the issue a community crisis in June 2019.
Addiction issues in the city, from illegal drugs or alcohol, are a serious problem
Today, the Thunder Bay Police Service has issued a public safety alert as the city appears to be in the midst of a spike in overdose deaths linked to fentanyl use.
In a statement issued to media, TBPS says, “Recent calls for service and information gathered from outside agencies have led police to believe a spike in drug-related overdoses and deaths is currently occurring.
“An investigation has revealed these deaths are likely the result of a supply of a pink-colored fentanyl-based drug known as ‘pink down’ or ‘pink dizzy’. This drug supply likely arrived in the community two days ago, is extremely potent, and an investigation suggests Naloxone intervention is not rescuing many overdose victims.
Overdose cases have led to increased demand on first responders and other health-care services.
TBPS states, “If you are struggling with addiction, the Thunder Bay Police Service would like you to be aware that you may be more at risk of coming into contact with fatal and dangerous narcotics at this time. If you know of a loved one struggling with addiction, police encourage you to speak with them about this issue.
If you are concerned about drugs being sold in your neighborhood please call police at 684-1200 or submit tips anonymously through Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222—8477, online at www.p3tips.com.
If you are an addict and have fears or anxiety about coming forward to police, we strongly encourage you to speak with family members or friends who may be able to come forward on your behalf.
Signs of illegal activity: Recognizing a Drug Trap House
If a property is being used for an illegal activity you may notice some common signs.
Seeing one of these signs doesn’t always mean illegal activity is going on, but if they happen often or together, a problem may exist.
Some common signs of illegal activity include:
- frequent visitors at all times of the day and night
- frequent late night activity
- extensive home security
- residents that are rarely seen, distant or secretive
- windows blackened or curtains always drawn
- neglected property and yard
- people repeatedly visiting the property who only go to the door for a short time
- residents who regularly meet vehicles near the property for a short time
- strange odours coming from the house or garbage
- garbage that contains numerous bottles and containers, particularly chemical containers
- putting garbage in a neighbor’s collection area
If there’s a suspicious property in your neighbourhood, don’t investigate it or approach its residents, call police at 684-1200 or submit tips anonymously through Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222—8477, online at www.p3tips.com.
