One dead, 6 fentanyl overdoses in 48 hours in Woodstock

The Woodstock Police Service is warning the public after officers responded to six fentanyl overdoses within 48 hours.

The force responded to four overdoses on Saturday and two on Friday.

By Monday afternoon, police issued a news release saying one of the victims, a 17-year-old male, had died. 

"On Saturday, March 30, 2019, at 7:53 a.m. the Woodstock Police Service and Oxford EMS responded to a report of a youth that had overdosed," read a news release issued by Woodstock Police. "On Monday, April 1 the 17-year-old was pronounced deceased of a suspected overdose."

The Criminal Investigations Branch and the Drug Intelligence Unit are investigating the death. They are also working with other community agencies.

Police seized substances in all six the incidents, saying the fentanyl was "green or blue in colour and is extremely toxic causing immediate overdose."

Naloxone was administered by emergency crews in at least two or three of the incidents, police said. They did not say if naloxone was used in the case of the 17 year old. All individuals involved in the incidents were transported to hospital.

Police said the significant number of overdoses prompted them to send out a safety message.

"We do have the odd overdose situation, but not as many within a two-day period," said Staff Sgt. Rod Wilkinson.

"We know there are numerous fentanyl users and we want them to be aware. We want to make sure they're safe and that they can contact 911 immediately or make sure they have a naloxone kit — or if they are engaging in this activity, then make sure someone else is around to monitor them."