Coordinated response limits impact of downtown overdose spike as 39 require medical aid in 24 hours

Local agencies held an emergency meeting after someone handed out free drugs, resulting in dozens of non-fatal overdoses. Gerry Dewan reports.

A rapid and unified response from emergency services and social agencies is being credited with averting a larger crisis after a concentrated surge of overdoses saw 39 individuals require medical attention in the downtown core over a 24-hour period.

The alarm was first raised late Wednesday morning when community partners alerted local services to an increasing number of overdose calls. This was followed by reports of an individual distributing pills for free from a vehicle in the downtown area.

Emergency crews and social agencies continue to address drug-related medical events.

Police, fire and emergency medical services were called to London Cares headquarters just after 1 p.m. following a reported overdose. London Cares offers support to those grappling with homelessness, poverty and addictions.

Preliminary information suggests the distributed substance was yellow in colour and produced an opioid-like response, indicating a potential presence of fentanyl. More than a dozen people were treated for effects attributed to these pills.

Based on the gathered information, a formal drug advisory was issued to warn the public and guide harm reduction efforts.

Lily Bialas, interim director for London’s Carepoint Harm Reduction and Treatment Services, emphasized the critical role of swift action.

“Yesterday, late morning, we were being alerted by community partners that there was an increase in overdoses in community,” Bialas said. “What we had heard was that the substance was yellow in colour and that it was having an opioid like response for people, in terms of overdose.”

Bialas lauded the collaborative effort, telling CTV News, “The quick response of police, fire, EMS, social agencies and members of the public likely limited the impact of the incident, and may have saved lives.”

“Through the community’s’ good work, that quick first response, as well as quick communication between service providers to alert that something was going on,” she said. “We were able to communicate directly with community, and support people who use drugs in a good way.”

The incident serves as a stark reminder of ongoing drug-use risks and reinforces key harm reduction strategies.

“Coming to a facility like ours with supervised consumption is definitely one of the main things that we highlight, as well as testing samples when you’re able to. In addition, not using alone, and making sure you have naloxone on hand,” Bialas advised.

London police confirmed that their investigation into the incident is ongoing.

Authorities are working to identify the suspect or suspects involved, as well as the vehicle used in the distribution, and to confirm the exact nature of the substance circulating in the community.

Investigators are asking anyone with information related to the incident, including dash‑cam footage, residential or business video surveillance from the downtown core that may assist with the investigation, to contact the London Police Service at [phone] or Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-TIPS (8477). Information can also be sent in online anonymously to London Middlesex Crime Stoppers.