Fatal overdose victim in northern Ont. believed they were smoking cannabis, police say

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First Nation dispensary voluntarily closed after series of overdoses

Youth ODs in northern Ont. on what he thought was cannabis

A young victim who believed they were smoking cannabis from a bong this week in a First Nation near Sault Ste. Marie, Ont., was rushed to hospital with signs of a drug overdose, and they later died.

In a news release, the Anishinabek Police Service said a second person is in hospital following a similar incident. The drugs appear to be cannabis that was purchased at a local dispensary.

“Our hearts and thoughts are with the family, friends and loved ones of the young person who lost their life,” police said.

In the fatal overdose, police said a group of young people were smoking what they believed to be cannabis from a bong at a residence in Garden River First Nation.

“One person was subsequently transported to hospital with symptoms consistent with an overdose and has since died,” police said.

“We do not have any information to indicate that anyone else who consumed from the bong suffered any overdose symptoms.”

Second victim still in hospital

In the second incident, a number of people “reportedly consumed what they believed to be cannabis from a bong at a residence,” the release said.

“A youth was subsequently transported to hospital with seizures and symptoms consistent with an overdose. They remain in hospital at this time.”

There have been no reports of any other related overdoses.

“These two suspected overdoses took place in the latter half of last week,” police said.

“It is our understanding that the substance consumed in both incidents was purchased at a dispensary in Garden River First Nation.”

While the investigation continues, police said they went public with the information so residents can be cautious.

“The substance that was consumed may instead have been another substance — or cut with another substance — that was perhaps not expected by the persons consuming it,” the release said.

“We are asking anyone in the … community who uses drugs to exercise extreme caution.”

Carry naloxone

People are being urged to carry naloxone at all times, buddy up and use one at a time and “start slow.”

If someone shows typical signs of an overdose or unusual signs of an overdose (such as seizures), call 911 immediately.

Anyone with relevant information on these cases is asked to contact police at 705-946-4196.

Members of the public can report suspicious activity in the community using the police’s online reporting tool.

You can submit reports anytime, from any device, making it convenient to contribute to your community’s safety without delay.

To remain anonymous, contact Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-TIPS (8477), or online.

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