Public warned of 'suspected strong opioid' in the Sault

The Sault Ste. Marie and Area Drug Strategy is warning the public of the presence of a 'suspected strong opioid' in Sault Ste. Marie following reports of overdoses locally. 

"The Sault and Area Drug Strategy has received reports of local overdoses possibly due to a very strong opioid which may be contaminated with toxic substances," said the drug strategy via social media Monday. "This serves as an important reminder to the community that street drugs continue to be contaminated with toxic substances." 

It's unclear if there have been any related instances of hospitalization or fatalities.

Sault Ste. Marie and Area Drug Strategy Committee Coordinator Charles Shamess declined comment. 

"Apologies but we will not be commenting on this story," Shamess told SooToday via email. "We put out the notice to remind people about using street drugs as safely as possible."

According to statistics from Public Health Ontario, there were 26 deaths, 33 hospitalizations and 121 emergency department visits in the Algoma District that were reported by Algoma Public Health in 2018. 

A copy of the local drug strategy's Call to Action report can be found here.