The Provincial Police have released an Opioids and Overdoses Impact and Strategies report.
The document contains important statistics, trends and information as well as an update on previous priorities to curb the health crisis.
The OPP prepared the report in an effort to remain transparent and provide residents with an accurate depiction of what is happening on our streets.
The OPP has identified a 34% increase in overdose-related deaths last year as compared to 2018.
Police laid 102 charges in 12 overdose-related death investigations in 2019, a 500% increase over the period of a year.
Since September 2017, officers have saved 177 lives by administering naloxone.
OPP Commissioner Thomas Carrique says “There are no excuses in today’s environment for these harmful drugs to be distributed through our communities. One person is dying every 4.7 hours in Ontario from opioids. We will continue to pursue those who are knowingly trafficking harmful opioids, such as fentanyl, and we will hold them responsible for their actions. We will do this while supporting our social and health services partners in a collective effort to help those impacted by this crisis.”
The 2019 Opioids and Overdoses: Impact and Strategies report can be found at http://opp.ca/opioids.com
