4 dead due to ‘fatal’ opioid strain in Central Ontario: OPP

The Ontario Provincial Police is warning Ontarians about a “highly potent and potentially fatal strain” of opioids after four people were suspected to have recently died due to it.

The strain is said to be in circulation in Simcoe County and the District Municipality of Muskoka, according to the police.

Southern Georgian Bay officers responded to a report Tuesday in Tay Township about two women in their early 20s who supposedly died due to an opioid overdose, the OPP stated.

Jan 3, #SGBOPP responded to two females in their early 20s located deceased due to a suspected opioid overdose at a Tay Township residence. Jan 6, #BbrOPP responded to two males in their mid-40s who also died as a result of a suspected overdose at a motel in Gravenhurst.
…2/8

— OPP Central Region (@OPP_CR) January 8, 2023

Just three days later on January 6, officers responded to a report at a motel in Gravenhurst, where two men in their mid-40s were found dead, presumably also of an opioid overdose, the OPP added.

The Symptoms of fentanyl and opioid exposure can include Difficulty in walking, talking or staying awake, Blue lips or nails, Very small pupils, Cold and clammy skin, and Dizziness and confusion, the police added

The circulation of illicit opioids through drug trafficking channels continues to increase, according to the police.