Triple death sparks drug warning in Peel Region

The day after three men were found dead inside a Mississauga condo, Peel police say there is no current indication that a “bad batch” of drugs is circulating in the community.

Homicide investigators continue to probe the deaths of three men in their late 20s near Burnhamthorpe Road and Confederation Parkway Wednesday afternoon. Another man inside the unit was taken to hospital as a precaution.

Police are treating the deaths as suspicious, although the cause of death has not been revealed. Investigators are awaiting the results of toxicology reports before confirming the substances found at the scene, Const. Akhil Mooken said Thursday.

“Next of kin has been notified and at this time there is no plan to release the names of the deceased persons,” Mooken said, adding there’s no current evidence that tainted drugs may be circulating in the community.

“At this time there has been no determination made on the type of drug located in the condo unit, so it’s difficult to say if this was a bad batch.”

Speaking generally, he said people should be careful and know that drugs can be laced with unknown substances.

“We want them to be careful and know that drugs can be laced with unknown substances that are not expected,” he said.

From January until the end of July, Peel Region saw 107 overdose deaths, compared to127 all of last year, Mooken said, adding the majority of deaths in both years were caused by opiate drugs like fentanyl.

Since pandemic restrictions were introduced in March, Peel Public Health has seen opioidrelated deaths increase, said Dr. Lawrence Loh, the region’s medical officer of health.

The pandemic has created new challenges for people who use drugs, such as changing their access to familiar drug supplies, or reducing their ability to turn to harm-reduction services.