Community Drug Alert - Increase in Drug Poisoning Related Calls to Emergency Services

The Overdose Monitoring Alert and Response System (OMARS) is issuing a Community Drug Alert for Waterloo Region.

From October 31 to November 5 there was an increase in the number of overdoses/drug poisonings, with 35 reported cases.

Deep yellow, pale yellow, orange, and green fentanyl are colours of concern.

The Kitchener CTS Drug Checking Program has seen an increase in xylazine. Medetomidine/dexmedetomidine and oxazepam continue to be detected.

The presence of opioids in combination with xylazine increases the risk of an overdose/ drug poisoning and death. When using xylazine, the person may not wake up for a long time. If possible, stay with the person until they wake up or help arrives.

Concerns were raised by community members about the unpredictability of the meth supply which may cause unexpected reactions.

For more information check the full Comunity Drug Alert, November 6, 2024 release.