OPP report 36 percent increase in overdoserelated deaths in 2019

By Shelby Knox

Published: September 30, 2020 at 12:08 PM

Prescription bottle with blank label for copy space and white pills or tablets on metal table for opioid epidemic illustrationistock.com/BackyardProduction

In 2019, officers laid 102 charges in 12 overdoserelated death investigations, a 500 percent increase over 2018.

The OPP are reporting a 36 percent increase in overdose-related deaths last year.

The latest report shows that between September 2017 and the end of 2019 officers saved 177 lives by administering naloxone, a substance that can temporarily reverse the effects of an opioid overdose.

In 2019, officers also laid 102 charges in 12 overdose-related death investigations, a 500 percent increase over 2018.

OPP Commissioner Thomas Carrique says the police "...will continue to pursue those who are knowingly trafficking harmful opioids, such as fentanyl, and hold them responsible for their actions."

He also notes one person in Ontario dies from opioids every 4.7 hours.