Overdose alert issued for fentanyl found in Waterloo Region

Waterloo Region Integrated Drug Strategy (WRIDS) issued an overdose alert to area fentanyl users on Thursday.

The agency says it has been receiving reports that purple/dark red, white/clear fentanyl has been causing “extreme sedation” in the area.

Individuals have reported that “they ‘feel fine’ but soon lose consciousness, temporarily wake up, speak, and lose consciousness again very quickly.”

2:08 Harm reduction advocates claim the coronavirus pandemic has caused a surge in drug overdoses in Montreal

The effects of the fentanyl in question have reportedly lasted for many hours and can also affect memory.

So far this year, there have been 54 overdose-related deaths in the region this year and 740 overdose-related calls, according to the WRIDS website.

WRIDS is warning users that opioids like fentanyl can increase the risk of overdose and is asking them to use the Consumption & Treatment Services site in downtown Kitchener.