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ACT Policing is urging drug users to consider their health and safety after the 20th death this year suspected to be from use of non-prescription drugs, particularly opioids such as heroin.
On Wednesday (23 October 2024), a young man was found unresponsive in a residence and despite the efforts of emergency services, he was declared deceased at the scene. Information collected by police indicates that the man consumed non-prescription drugs immediately prior to his death.
While the exact cause of the most recent overdose causing death is yet to be determined, police continue to suspect high drug purity levels or the addition of synthetic opioids, such as fentanyl or nitazene, may be responsible. The use of these dangerous synthetic opioids and high purity heroin carry a high risk of respiratory failure and death. Without specialized testing the content of the drugs and their purity cannot be known.
ACT Policing acknowledges drug addiction as a health issue and is continuing to urge those who are using drugs (particularly heroin) to consider the threat to their lives that might arise from doing so.
Drugs can be tested at CanTEST, which provides free and confidential chemical analysis of pills and drugs intended for personal use, as well as tailored information and harm reduction advice.
There are also a range of support services and advice for those using drugs from Canberra drug treatment organisations.
If you encounter someone who may be experiencing an overdose, don’t hesitate, call an ambulance via Triple Zero (000) immediately.