Overdose cases in Saskatoon remain high with 540 reported in March

WATCH: Prairie Harm Reduction (PHR) is claiming the city’s overdose deaths are higher than government-reported figures.

Saskatoon continues to grapple with its overdose crisis as the city’s fire department reported over 20 cases within a 24-hour period.

In an updated overdose alert Thursday afternoon, the Saskatchewan Ministry of Health warned that there is a higher risk of overdose and death from drugs in Saskatoon.

According to Prairie Harm Reduction, a brownish-red substance containing dangerous levels of fentanyl has been identified as the likely cause of the overdoses.

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The ministry says the substance has been sold as fentanyl and can be identified by its distinct appearance, which includes light pink chunks, dark purple chunks, or brownish-red chunks.

The Saskatoon Fire Department has responded to over 540 overdoses since March 1, including multiple suspicious deaths.

According to the ministry, previous batches of the substance have contained benzodiazepines, and users have reported delayed effects, sleepiness, unconsciousness, and difficulty breathing.

In some cases, overdoses have required multiple doses of naloxone, oxygen, and paramedic intervention to revive the individual.