Health unit reports increase in overdoses on Manitoulin Island

Officials warn dangerous substances in drug supply Health and police officials are warning the public of two new dangerous substances being mixed with street drugs. Eric Taschner has more.

The Community Drug Strategies of Manitoulin and Lacloche Foothills have received reports of an increase in drug poisonings or overdoses in the region.

1031234188 - ShutterStock Fentanyl -- part of the opioid crisis. (File photo/ShutterStock/Thomas Andre Fure)

The group also said it has reports of unexpected reactions from the use of substances in the area.

“While we cannot confirm the substance(s) causing the overdoses, this situation serves as an important reminder to the community that street drugs may be cut or mixed with substances such as benzos (benzodiazepines), xylazine, fentanyl, or carfentanil,” the drug strategies committee said in a news release.

“Frontline workers warn that more toxic substances may be circulating locally.”

Public health officials said overdoses occur when a person uses a substance and their body is unable to handle the effects – as a result, the brain is unable to control basic life functions.

“The person might pass out, stop breathing or experience a seizure,” reads the release.

“Overdoses can be fatal and non-fatal.”

A list of overdose symptoms and steps to take to prevent overdoses can be found here.

“Be cautious if using drugs and please distribute this information widely to help save lives,” the group said.