York Regional Police is warning the public about the increase of contaminants found in street drugs that could render naloxone ineffective. The warning follows three opioid-related deaths which occurred within 24 hours in March.

On March 5, 2025, officers responded to three separate incidents of drug-associated deaths in the Town of Georgina, the Town of Newmarket and the City of Vaughan.

A 44-year-old female from Newmarket died of a fentanyl overdose, despite four doses of Narcan being administered. Toxicology results are pending to determine what other substances the illegal drug contained.

On the same day, a 35-year-old male from Georgina died after consuming fentanyl which included other drugs, such as bromazolam. Bromazolam is a benzodiazepine and is not approved for medical use in any country. The use of this drug can have serious adverse effects, including death, especially when taken with fentanyl.

In a third incident, a 22-year-old male from Vaughan was found deceased in his room. A drug, believed to be fentanyl, was seized and is pending toxicology results. 

York Regional Police is reminding the public that any street drug is considered dangerous and potentially lethal. The potency of some drugs, such as opioids, can greatly increase the risk of an overdose. Street drugs can also contain other life-threatening drugs within them and the user may not know what they are actually ingesting until it’s too late.

Fentanyl and related analogues or additives, such as veterinary tranquilizers or benzodiazepines, can increase sedation and reduce the effectiveness of naloxone.

Police are also reminding the community that you cannot be charged if you attempt to render aid to someone in distress or need. The Good Samaritan Drug Overdose Act offers protection from charges related to the possession of a controlled substance when calling 9-1-1 in the event of an overdose. In any suspected drug overdose, call 9-1-1 immediately and administer naloxone.

For information about how to recognize signs of an opioid overdose and what you can do to help yourself or someone else, please visit our website at Alcohol Drugs and Addiction - York Regional Police (yrp.ca).

York Regional Police works collaboratively with York Region Public Health, CAYR Community Connections and other community partners on the Community Opioid Drug Response Collaborative (CODRC). The purpose of the CODRC is to share information, provide education, decrease stigma and increase awareness about strategies to reduce harms from the use of opioids and other drugs in York Region. The CODRC will partner with and rely on project groups to develop and implement aspects of the Opioid Action Plan and other initiatives to support people who use drugs in York Region.

Visit our Community Safety Data Portal for complete stats and crime data within York Region. Crime prevention is our shared responsibility. Learn more about Operation Streetview.

Prepared by:     Constable Lisa Moskaluk

                       25-72696/25-71899/25-72759

                       April 2, 2025