Light blue fentanyl linked to a dozen overdoses, one death in Guelph area

A fentanyl user holds a needle near Kensington and Cambria in Philadelphia, on Oct. 22, 2018. THE CANADIAN PRESS/David Maialetti

The Wellington Guelph Drug Strategy (WGDS) has issued a health alert after 12 overdoses and one death were reported in the Guelph area over a five-day period.

Officials are asking people to exercise extreme caution when using unknown substances, especially fentanyl that is light blue in colour.

“The current supply may be more potent than usual and is contributing to prolonged sedation,” WGDS said in a media release Monday.

People are urged to carry naloxone, never use drugs alone, start with a lose dose and, if available, visit a local Consumption and Treatment Services Site (CTS).

The CTS site at the Guelph Community Health Centre will remain open until the end of March before it turns into a HART Hub.

The WGDS also suggested testing unknown substances at CHC’s Scatr Machine, located at 176 Wyndham St. North, or obtaining a drug testing kit from the Sanguen Community Health Van.