York Regional Police are warning the public after an increase of fentanyl-related overdose calls in Georgina in the last two weeks.
From Aug. 23 to Sept. 6, there were seven overdoses and three deaths, which YRP believe are connected to “an extremely toxic batch of fentanyl.”
Police are reminding residents of the danger of the drug.
“Fentanyl is 100 times more potent than morphine. Two milligrams of pure fentanyl (the size of about four grains of salt) is enough to kill the average adult,” police said in a news release. “If combined with alcohol and or other drugs, including prescription medications, the risk of a fatal outcome is increased.”
They also said that overdoses can occur if fentanyl is mistaken for another opioid like morphine, heroin or oxycodone.
Symptoms of an overdose are slow, shallow or irregular breathing, seizures, unconsciousness and extremely small pupils.
Dizziness, drowsiness, headache, sleepiness, nausea and vomiting are also minor effects.
Residents are warned to have a naloxone kit on hand in case of emergency and if they are going to use drugs to never do so alone.
