Police, health officials issue warning about opioid use

ONTARIO AND WATERLOO REGION have seen a rise in opioid related deaths in recent years. There are many factors contributing to the rise of overdose in the community, one being the presence of a drug called fentanyl, Waterloo Regional Police say in conjunction with Public Health and the school boards.

According to the Office of the Chief Coroner for Ontario, the number of drug related overdose and deaths in Ontario is increasing. Local data shows that the number of overdose deaths in Waterloo Region doubled between 2009 and 2015 and continues to rise.

Last week, local police reported that there were 35 suspected overdose related deaths in Waterloo Region since the start of the year. That’s nearly as many deaths as in all of 2015.

“Being a parent, a neighbour, a friend or a concerned citizen in the current climate of opioid discussion can be very difficult and stressful,” said the agencies in an open letter to the public. “As residents, we may constantly worry about the safety of those around us. Drugs are part of our society and the best way to decrease harms is to have accurate information.

“We are hoping this letter will bring some familiarity with those around you about the current issues of drug use, including the risks of overdose, the use of prescription medications (from a pharmacy or made on the street) and the dangers of combining drugs with alcohol. This approach includes both preventing substance use and decreasing harms to those in our community who are using drugs. Overdose does not discriminate – it can happen to anyone’s family. It is important to equip ourselves with knowledge about drug use including the signs and symptoms of overdose and what to do in an overdose situation.”

JUNE 29

8:00 AM | Wellington County OPP responded to a report of a theft of batteries from Elliot Coach Lines in Fergus. Sometime overnight suspect(s) entered the parking lot and removed batteries from seven buses. Each bus had three batteries stolen from it, and each battery is valued at $80. The buses also had “clean power cables” removed from them. It’s estimated that a total of $3,000 worth of equipment would need replacing before the buses could be operational again. Most of the batteries would be branded “INTERNATIONAL.” Police asking any person with information regarding this to contact the Wellington County OPP at 1-888310-1122. Should you wish to remain anonymous, you may call Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-8477 (TIPS) or submit a tip on-line at www.csgw.tips. You may be eligible for a reward from Crime Stoppers of up to $2,000.

12:30 PM | Waterloo Regional Police responded to a two-vehicle collision at the intersection of Lobsinger Line and Moser Young Road in Wellesley Township. The collision involved two full-size pickup trucks travelling in opposite directions on Lobsinger Line. A Chevrolet, initially travelling westbound, turned left in the path of a Dodge truck pulling a livestock trailer. The force of the collision caused both vehicles to end up off the roadway. The driver of the Chevrolet, a 79-year-old man from Puslinch Township, was taken via air ambulance to London’s Victoria Hospital, where his condition is listed as stable. The 42-year-old driver of the other truck, who is from Maxwell, was also injured in the collision but did not require medical attention. One of the cattle in the trailer had to be euthanized by a local veterinarian due to its injuries. Traffic Services attended to complete a thorough investigation and closed the intersection for several hours. Anyone with information on this collision is asked to call police at 519-653-7700 or Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-8477.

JULY 2

11:00 PM | Wellington County OPP responded to a report of a vehicle in the ditch on Second Line, Township of Centre Wellington. While speaking with the female driver the officer believed her to be under the influence of alcohol. A roadside screening test was conducted which resulted in a fail. She was arrested and brought to a local OPP operations centre for further testing. Subsequently, the 51-year-old Kitchener woman was charged with ‘over 80’ contrary to the Criminal Code of Canada. Her driver’s licence was suspended for 90 days and the vehicle impounded for a period of seven days as per statute. She is to appear in Guelph Criminal Court on August 4 to answer to the charge.