Two dead, one in critical condition after suspected fentanyl overdoses

WINNIPEG — Two people are dead and a third in critical condition, both of suspected fentanyl overdoses. Winnipeg police are awaiting drug testing to confirm two sudden deaths overnight are results of the deadly opiod.

Officers responded after a man was found dead at a hotel in the 200 block of McDermot Avenue around 12:30 p.m. Sunday.  The 30-year-old had been staying by himself when staff found him. Police say drugs and drug paraphernalia were found and seized, but they can’t confirm it was fentanyl until tests are done.

That same night, officers were called to the Richmond West neighbourhood around 9:30 p.m.  Two men were found in medical distress inside a home in the first 100 block of Kinlock Lane. Both were rushed to hospital but the 22-year-old man died. A 21-year-old remains in critical condition. Police say they found illicit drugs in the home and suspect it’s fentanyl, but again, are awaiting tests. Neighbours who saw the incident unfold from across the street tell Global News they’ve never seen anything like this on their street.

“As a law enforcement agency we aren’t going to stand by and have the mindset that ‘oh it’s just another one, another one’ ” said Const. Jason Michalyshen Monday, at a news conference.

The deaths come just a few days after the Winnipeg firefighters union launched a public awareness campaign about the dangers of fentanyl and carfentanil.

READ MORE: Deadly drug Carfentanil in Winnipeg, police say

Last week three people were found dead, also of suspected fentanyl exposure in a home in Inkster Gardens.

Watch: 3 found dead from suspected fentanyl exposure in Winnipeg home, police say

Winnipeg police have grown increasingly concerned about the opiod crisis that’s arrived in Winnipeg. Earlier this month tests confirmed an infant who was rushed to hospital in critical condition had been exposed to carfentanil.

“It’s quite clear what we’re dealing with and the epidemic that we are seeing in this community, we need to continue to talk about it,” said Michalyshen.

READ MORE: Tests confirm infant was exposed to carfentanil at Winnipeg home, police say

Emergency responders have said they are seeing the opiod overdoses in all neighbourhoods of Winnipeg.