The Regina Police Service is again urging the public to be aware of the issue of illegal drugs in our community, as the number of overdoses in our city climbs. To those who are struggling with a drug addiction: seek medical help and supports in order to mitigate self-harm and become healthy again.
Since Tuesday, November 10, 2020, police have responded to 5 overdoses, four of which have resulted in death.
Since the start of the year, the Regina Police Service has been tracking a growing number of overdoses, both non-fatal and fatal, reported to police. The following numbers reflect the number of overdose calls of which the Regina Police Service is aware; however, since some overdoses don’t involve calls for EMS or other emergency services like police, the actual number of events in our community is higher.
- January 1 to now: 935 overdose events (known to RPS)
- Police attended to: 354
- Narcan administered by police: 59
- Apparent deaths: 82
The Regina Police Service continues its diligent approach to drug trafficking investigations and has reported a number of arrests, drugs seized and persons charged. The Regina Police Service is also in a position to help educate the public to the dangers of illegal drug use. We continue to combine our efforts with health authorities who tackle the issues of addiction and treatment. An overdose is a medical emergency; it is not a criminal matter.
The signs of an opioid overdose include:
- Difficulty walking/talking/staying awake
- Blue lips or nails
- Very small pupils
- Cold and clammy skin
- Dizziness and confusion
- Extreme drowsiness
- Choking, gurgling or snoring sounds
- Slow, weak or no breathing
- Inability to wake up, even when shaken or shouted at.
In an emergency, call 9-1-1. Know the Good Samaritan Drug Overdose Act. It 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 9-1-1 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#utm_campaign=q2_2015&utm_medium=short&utm_source=%2Fopioids
Police are also urging anyone who may have information about illegal drug use 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.
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