Maidstone RCMP probe two overdose deaths

Two people are dead in Maidstone after what RCMP investigators believe could be fatal drug overdoses.

Members of the Maidstone detachment responded Friday at 8:40 a.m. to a report of a sudden death at a home in the northwestern community. When officers arrived, one man was dead. Another was receiving medical care from local emergency services but also died at the scene, according to RCMP in a news release.

“While this sudden death investigation is in the preliminary stages, investigators believe the deaths may be the result of a drug overdose,” RCMP said.

Maidstone is located about 220 kilometres northwest of Saskatoon, where city police are investigating three fatal overdoses in recent days linked to what police believe is fentanyl-laced cocaine.

In southern Saskatchewan, Kamsack RCMP received a report from a partner agency on Wednesday about suspected cocaine and fentanyl in two people, RCMP said. They did not require emergency medical treatment.

According to RCMP on Friday, “if the deaths are determined to be the result of a drug overdose, it will also take some time to confirm the substance responsible.”

Much like Saskatoon police in recent days, RCMP warned of the dangers of consuming illicit street drugs.

“This particular drug may still be circulating in Saskatchewan,” RCMP said in a statement. “Contact should be completely avoided and police should be notified.”