Essex County OPP speak out on fentanyl following local overdoses

You may know that fentanyl is dangerous, but Essex County OPP are emphasizing that fact with details about recent local overdose incidents involving the drug.

According to police, there have been three cases in Essex County so far this year where people were brought to the brink of death or worse due to fentanyl.

Two of those cases happened in Leamington this month. OPP said the subjects in each only survived due to paramedics with Essex-Windsor EMS administering NARCAN — the nasal spray form of naloxone.

The third case happened earlier this year in Essex. In that incident, the 21-year-old subject did not survive.

Police remind the public that ingesting fentanyl even in very small quantities can result in overdose, serious health issues, and death.

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Those who deal fentanyl will be subject to the full attention of law enforcement officers.

On May 9, Essex County OPP’s community street crime arrested a 38-year-old Leamington man in relation to one of the recent overdose incidents in Leamington.

That suspect remains in custody, facing charges of trafficking fentanyl, carrying a concealed weapon (two counts), and failing to comply with the terms of probation (eight counts).

Earlier in the year, on March 28, Tecumseh OPP arrested and charged a man and a woman in relation to firearms and quantities of illicit drugs, including fentanyl.

Anyone who uses illicit drugs is at risk from fentanyl. Police point out that the drug is tasteless, has no odour, and can be altered to any colour. It can easily be added to other substances.

If you witness what you suspect is a drug overdose, Essex County OPP urge you to contact Essex-Windsor EMS via 911 immediately. Police said those who give assistance in overdose situations will not be charged with drug offences, under the terms of the Good Samaritan Act.

dchen@postmedia.com