HURON COUNTY – Huron County Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) wish to remind the public of the potentially lethal consequences of opioid use following four suspected opioid drug overdose deaths this month, with the latest occurring on Christmas Eve.
Two males, a 32-year-old and a 43-year-old, along with two females, a 42-year-old and a 43-year-old have all died this month as a result of accidental opioid overdose deaths.
Between Jan. 1 and Dec. 25, members of the Huron County OPP Detachment have responded to 32 drug overdose incidents, including eight fatalities with the majority of those deaths due to opioids.
“These overdoses certainly highlight the fact that the misuse and abuse of controlled substances is highly dangerous and can be deadly,” Huron OPP Detachment Commander Insp. Jason Younan said. “We also know that overdose deaths can be preventable if medical attention is received quickly so I would like to remind witnesses to call 911 and stay with the victim. Don’t be afraid, just pick up the phone and call, it could save your friend’s life.”
Huron County OPP continues to work with community partners to strategically and collaboratively address opioid related calls for service at the local and provincial levels by focusing on prevention, treatment, harm reduction and enforcement. Individuals looking for local supports may contact their health care provider, Huron Perth Public Health, Choices for Change, the Centre for Addiction and Mental Health, Addiction and Mental Health Ontario, the Canadian Mental Health Association, Health Canada or Government of Ontario websites.
Police say they need the public’s support and assistance to hold drug traffickers accountable for these deaths. The public can help by providing the police with information that can lead to arrests and criminal charges.
If you have information, police ask the public to contact the Huron OPP Crime Unit by calling 1-888-310-1122 or 519-482-1677. Should you wish to remain anonymous, you may call Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-TIPS (8477) or submit a tip online at www.p3tips.com, where you may be eligible to receive a cash reward of up to $2,000.
