Murray Wood: Who's scary... and who's scary good?
Every Friday, Murray Wood takes a look at the week's news and decides who's hot... and who's not. This week, in a specia...
Regina police is pleading to the public about the dangers of fentanyl and other drugs in the bridge city.
“It’s a struggle to make this message stand out in what has been a busy – and difficult – year. But, we are asking – even begging – people to stop for a moment to consider the clear and present danger of fentanyl and other drugs in our city,” a news release from police said.
“This drug is killing fathers, mothers, children, siblings, friends, neighbours and colleagues. And it is ruining the lives of many more people.”
In November alone, the police call centre transferred 231 calls to paramedics for drug overdoses. The same 30-day period, officers responded to 28 overdose calls, 18 of which were fatal. In October, there were 19 apparent overdose deaths in Regina.
To this point in 2021, 1,641 calls were transferred to paramedics for drug overdoses. Officers were sent to 299 of those overdose calls; 137 of them involved people dying from drug overdoses.
“Our patrol officers carry Narcan (naloxone) and, as first responders, they are sometimes on the scene quickly enough to revive the person experiencing an overdose. Too often, they are not called in time. Other police officers, as investigators, dedicate countless hours to detecting and apprehending drug traffickers. But, it will take more than that to combat the enemy that is substance abuse and addiction,” the release read.
The police service is asking people to use tip lines like Regina Crime Stoppers (1-800-222-TIPS) to report crime, including drug trafficking. Learn about the signs of an overdose and call 911 in such emergencies.
“If you are a family member or friend of someone who is battling a substance use disorder, don’t give up. Don’t stop advocating for help for your family member or friend. Don’t let someone use alone,” the news release continued.
