Belleville Police have issued an urgent public safety alert regarding a potentially contaminated drug supply in the area. Recent overdoses, including 11 in just two hours, suggest that dangerous additives may be present in local illegal drugs. Thankfully, no deaths have been reported.
The overdoses began around 3 p.m. on Tuesday, October 29th, near Bridge and Coleman Streets, with a third on Front Street. By 5 p.m., police encountered eight people overdosing in a lot on North Front Street. All individuals received medical treatment. the Police Service shared Wednesday morning they did not receive any reports overnight of further overdoses.
Police advise those using illicit drugs to be cautious, avoid using alone, and to carry Naloxone, an emergency treatment for opioid overdoses, available at local pharmacies. They also urge anyone witnessing an overdose to call 911 immediately.
For overdose prevention and harm reduction resources, contact Hastings Prince Edward Public Health at hpepublichealth.ca or 613-966-5500.
Written by Emily Chatwood