While Regina has seen many recent changes due to pressing matters around the global COVID-19 pandemic, the presence of large amounts of illicit drugs has not changed. The Regina Police Service continues to investigate a high number of drug overdoses occurring in the city.
Since January 1st, 2020, the Regina Police Service has been made aware of 143 overdoses. Of those, police have responded to 85 and administered Narcan 24 times. Seven persons have died due to an overdose and 5 other fatalities remain under investigation.
The Regina Police Service continues to urge the public to be aware of the threat posed by street drugs; in particular, fentanyl. Anyone who is an active user of illicit fentanyl or fentanyl analogs is in danger. Even if people are not making good choices for themselves, others around them should be aware of the higher-than-usual potential for drug overdose and have a safety plan.
We cannot overemphasize the importance of calling 911 in the event of a drug overdose. The Good Samaritan Drug Overdose Act protects anyone who is experiencing, or anyone who is present when someone else is experiencing, a drug overdose from charges for possession of a controlled substance when they call 911 for help. More information about the Good Samaritan Drug Overdose act is available here.
People can also access Naloxone kits if they are concerned about experiencing or witnessing a drug overdose. More information on take-home Naloxone is available online at:
https://www.saskatchewan.ca/opioids#preventing-opioid-overdoses-take-home-naloxone
Police are also urging anyone who may have information about these incidents to contact the Regina Police Service at 306-777-6500 or, if you wish to remain anonymous, contact Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-8477.
