Extended Community Drug Alert - Three suspected drug poisoning/overdose related deaths

The Overdose Monitoring Alert and Response System (OMARS) is extending a Community Drug Alert for Waterloo Region released on September 24, 2024 that included three suspected drug overdose/poisoning related deaths between September 17 to September 23.

From September 29 to September 30, there were 3 additional suspected drug-related deaths.

The Kitchener CTS Drug Checking Program found high potency Fentanyl, Oxazepam, Dexmedetomidine, and Paraflurofentanyl in samples over the last week. Colours of concern are blue, yellow and neon green.

Oxazepam is a benzodiazepine-related drug with a slow onset that can slow or stop breathing, especially if an opioid or alcohol was recently used. Oxazepam is known as a slow "creeper" because the risk of overdose may not happen right away but could happen later.

For more information check the full Community Drug Alert Extension, October 1, 2024 release.