Toronto drug squad officer dies of fentanyl overdose, police say

An officer with the Toronto police’s drug squad died of a fentanyl overdose earlier this year, with the amount of the opioid found in his system being too large to have been from mere contact with the drug, the force said Thursday.

Const. Michael Thompson died in hospital three days after he was found in medical distress in his home on April 10, Deputy Chief James Ramer said in a statement.

Police said they then started an investigation into the circumstances surrounding Thompson’s death.

“It is always a difficult time when we lose a member of the Toronto Police Service, regardless of the circumstances,’’ Ramer said. “It’s even more difficult when the circumstances of a specific loss leave us with more questions than answers.’’

Police did not provide specifics on their investigation, but said there are many resources to help their officers deal with personal crises, health problems and posttraumatic stress disorder.

“While these resources are being used, we need to better understand if we can provide additional support to members,’’ police added.

Fentanyl, a synthetic opioid about 100 times stronger than morphine, is often combined with other drugs, including cocaine, heroin and methamphetamine. It has also been blamed for the growing overdose crisis across the country that officials say claimed the lives of more than 2,800 people last year.

Police said Thompson had access to street-level drugs and some of the cases he was involved in will be before the courts Monday.

“Because of his death, and the circumstances under which it happened, changes will be made to how these cases proceed, or not, through the justice system,’’ police said.

Ramer called Thompson “a good police officer who was respected by his colleagues.’’

“Our condolences remain with his colleagues, including the dedicated and professional members of the drug squad, Michael’s family and friends who have all been devastated by his passing,’’ Ramer said.