Ottawa police say initial testing indicates that loose pills that were found in three Orléans parks are not illicit drugs. According to a news release from police, preliminary analysis indicates that the pills are over-the-counter and prescription medications. Last weekend, police said over 100 pills had been discovered scattered throughout Silverbirch Park and Blue Willow Park in Orléans. On Monday, police said loose pills had been found at a third park, Ruisseau Park. All three parks were in close proximity to one another. In their update on Thursday, police said more than 200 pills had been collected, but no illicit drugs had been identified. Police say there have been no reported instances of people or animals ingesting the pills; however, they are reminding residents to use caution when visiting parks with children or pets as medications can still be harmful when consumed. Residents should expect an increased police presence in the area. If residents find pills, police say they should not handle them. Instead, they should contact police at 613-236-1222. Anyone with information that could assist the investigation should contact the East Division Criminal Investigations Unit at 613-236-1222, ext. 3566. Anonymous tips can be submitted to Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-8477 or crimestoppers.ca.
