3 dead in suspected opioid poisonings in Halton Hills, police say

Three people are dead of suspected opioid poisonings in the Town of Halton Hills, Ont., police say.

In a public safety messageon Sunday, Halton Regional Police said two menand one womandiedof "suspected inhalation of an as yet unidentified substance"in two separate incidents ofsuspected opioid poisoning in Halton Hills, west of Mississauga, since Friday.

Police responded to both incidents and the coroner's officer as well as Halton police's criminal investigations bureau are investigating.

Members of the public are urged to be aware and vigilant in the wake of the deaths, police said.

"As the quality of street drugs is unpredictable and any drug can be cut with (or contaminated by) other agents or drugs which can be fatal in very minute amounts, go slow. Know your tolerance and always use a small sample of a drug first to check its strength," police said in the message.

"Due to the possibility of opioid contamination or poisoning, it is recommended that Naloxone be used in all suspected drug poisonings."

Police recommend that members of the public know the signs of a drug poisoning:

• Difficulty walking, talking, or staying awake.
• Blue lips or nails.
• Very small pupils.
• Cold and clammy skin.
• Dizziness and confusion.
• Extreme drowsiness.
• Choking, gurgling or snoring sounds.
• Slow, weak, or no breathing.
• Inability to wake up, even when shaken or shouted at.

People are urged to call 911 right away if they suspect someone has been poisoned by a drug. Halton police officers carry Naxolone and "we want to assist," the message said.

Police saidThe Good Samaritan Drug Overdose Act provides legal protections for peopleseeking emergency support during a drug poisoning and that includesthe person experiencing the poisoning.

The legislationmeans members of the public, including young people, will not be charged for offences such as simple possession if theycall911 in an emergency.

Anyone with informationabout the suspected poisonings is urged to call police.