Two deaths linked to cocaine in Saskatoon prompt police warning

Two people have died from cocaine overdoses in Saskatoon, prompting a warning from police.

Saskatoon Police Service (SPS) said in a news release that potentially fatal cocaine may be circulating in Saskatchewan’s biggest city.

SPS said the major crime section was investigating the deaths.

Deputy Chief of the Saskatoon Police Service, Dave Haye said raising awareness and enforcing drug laws is how the service is working to address the issue.

Haye said police focus on community outreach and working in the city’s vulnerable sectors.

His advice to any individuals when it comes to drug use is to take caution.

“Any time a person consumes something that’s not prescription, you’re taking a chance,” Haye said, noting the important roles Narcan and Naloxone have in reversing opioid overdoses.

If you see someone suffering from an overdose, call emergency services immediately.

Troy Davies with Medavie Health Services West in Saskatoon, echoed Haye’s statements.

“If you take a chance and you take drugs, you’re risking your life,” he said.

Davies said Medavie tends to overdose calls almost daily, and that he is seeing a small uptick in numbers.

Police said people should not take any drug unless it has been prescribed by a doctor and dispensed by a pharmacist, and illicit drugs can result in serious injury or death.

Anyone who suspects someone may have experienced an overdose should call 911.

Canada’s Good Samaritan Drug Overdose Act offers some legal protection and applies to anyone seeking emergency support during an overdose, including any person experiencing an overdose.

The Act protects the person who seeks help, whether they stay or leave from the overdose scene before help arrives. The Act also protects anyone else who is at the scene when help arrives.

Symptoms of an overdose may include but are not limited to:

• slow or no breathing
• gurgling
• gasping or snoring
• clammy and cool skin
• blue lips or nails
• difficulty waking up or staying awake

NORS is an overdose prevention hotline for Canadians providing confidential and nonjudgmental support. Call or text 1-888-688-6677.

Anyone with information regarding the cocaine investigation is asked to contact police at 306-975-8300 or Ainform Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-8477 or at saskcrimestoppers.com.

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– with files from 650 CKOM’s Mia Holowaychuk