Moose Jaw police investigating three overdose deaths in 48 hours

The deaths of three people in a 48-hour period has the Moose Jaw Police Service issuing a warning about potentially tainted drugs in the city.

In a release Saturday, the police service said investigators believe fentanyl was involved in all three deaths. As a result, police said they’re “concerned about the possibility of a tainted or compromised drug” in Moose Jaw.

The police added a number of recommendations, including:

• Don’t use alone.
• Learn the signs of an opioid overdose. Those can include: Difficulty walking, talking or staying awake; blue lips or nails; pinpoint pupils; cold and clammy skin; dizziness or confusion; extreme drowsiness; choking, gurgling or snoring sounds; slow or weak breathing; and an inability to wake up even when shaken or shouted at.
• Know the Good Samaritan Overdose Act will protect anyone experiencing a drug overdose from charges of possession of a controlled substance. That’s also true for anyone present while someone else is experiencing an overdose. Don’t hesitate to call 9-1-1 in an overdose situation.

The police reminded people that anyone can access a naloxone kit if they’re concerned about experiencing a drug overdose or witnessing one. More information on take-home naloxone kits is available here.

“If you are a drug user, or you know a drug user, get help,” the release added. “Don’t let the addiction make the decisions and plans that can lead to a near-fatal or fatal overdose. Connect with health resources.”

Police are continuing to investigate the three deaths. Anyone with information about the deaths or about drug trafficking in Moose Jaw was urged to call police or Crime Stoppers.