Drug alert issued in Regina after more than 40 overdoses, 4 deaths reported

Four people have died and more than over 40 overdoses have been reported over the past week in Regina. Wayne Mantyka has more.

As the province opens 16 new addiction treatment statement spaces in Regina, the city is dealing with an overdose outbreak.

More than 40 overdoses have been reported over the past week, with four suspected overdose deaths occurring over the same period, prompting an overdose alert.

According to the alert issued by Saskatchewan’s Ministry of Health, the Regina Police Service has reported 46 overdoses since Feb. 2, with many of those requiring multiple doses of naloxone.

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The sudden spike of overdoses points to a higher risk for drug users in the Regina area. No information is currently available on the substance causing the overdoses.

“That’s why we have our mobile outreach teams out there to help these individuals that may overdose but it is an enforcement piece as well and you’ve seen investments within the provincial government that we’re making on that enforcement side to get those drugs off the street,” Lori Carr, minister of mental health and addictions said.

The Ministry of Health doesn’t know what specific drugs may be tainted. It says “These fatalities indicate a higher risk of overdose and death from drugs in the Regina area, which may contain opioids or other unknown substances.”

Just a few days ago, the provincial government gave Regina Police $1.7 million dollars to higher more officers to tackle such problems.

• Regina police to receive $1.7M as province renews enforcement initiative

“That is exactly why we are putting all of these programs in place because there truly is no safe use of illicit drugs,” Carr said.

The government is also adding 16 second stage sober living treatment spaces at the Pine Lodge Addiction Treatment centre in Regina.

“Get people in a good place so that they are able to have sustained recovery in the longer term so starting from inpatient and making their way into post treatment,” said Andrew Love, executive director of the centre.

The ministry reminded the public that naloxone will counter the effect of opioids, but not other toxic substances like benzodiazepines.

The alert will remain in place until Monday, Feb. 16.