Three deaths in York Region prompt contaminated fentanyl warning​on April 2, 2025 at 5:13 pm

After three opioid-related deaths within 24 hours in last month, York Regional Police are warning the public about the increase of contaminants found in street drugs that could render naloxone ineffective.

Article content

Article content

Article content

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

Police say a 44-year-old Newmarket woman 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, cops say a 35-year-old Georgina man died after consuming fentanyl that included other drugs, such as bromazolam – a benzodiazepine that is not approved for medical use in any country.

Police warn the use of bromazolam can have serious adverse effects, including death, especially when taken with fentanyl.

Article content

In a third incident that day, police say a 22-year-old Vaughan man was found dead in his room and a drug, believed to be fentanyl, was seized and investigators are awaiting toxicology results.

RECOMMENDED VIDEO

We apologize, but this video has failed to load.

Try refreshing your browser, or
tap here to see other videos from our team.

Police are 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,” Police said Wednesday. “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 added.

Article content