2 overdose deaths in 1 day prompt drug contamination warning in central Alberta town

File photo of a naloxone kit in an Edmonton hospital. (Touria Izri)

Mounties are warning of Edmonton-area drugs that may have been laced after two suspected overdose deaths in the span of five hours in a central Alberta town.

RCMP in Tofield, Alta., have said the overdoses, which happened early Wednesday morning in the town, likely came from drugs purchased in or around Edmonton.

Drug analysis has not yet been completed but police say they believe the drugs were laced.

Symptoms of a fentanyl or opioid overdose include slow, irregular and shallow breathing, pinpoint pupils, muscle stiffness, seizures and loss of consciousness.

RCMP also offered safe practice recommendations, such as avoiding drug use while alone, asking a trusted person to check in on you, carrying a naloxone kit and calling 911 when needed.

Information about opioid dependency, treatment and access to support and resources can be found by contacting the addiction helpline at 1-866-332-2322.