Translate
ACT Policing is warning of potentially lethal illicit drugs in circulation in Canberra after attending multiple suspected drug overdoses recently.
In the past fortnight, five people have died as a result of suspected drug overdoses in separate incidents.
While the exact cause of the overdoses is yet to be determined, police suspect that opioids are involved in all cases.
Opioids carry a high risk of addiction and can result in breathing difficulties, respiratory failure, and death.
Separately, police are aware of at least two further non-fatal drug overdoses in the past week.
ACT Policing is urging people who use drugs and those around them to be alert to the warning signs of overdoses, which can include drowsiness, loss of consciousness, unusual breathing and skin turning blue or grey.
If you suspect someone is having an overdose, seek help immediately by calling 000, and use naloxone if you have it.
Naloxone is a life-saving medicine that can temporarily reverse the effects of opioid overdose and is available for free from CanTEST, CAHMA, the Civic and Woden Needle and Syringe Programs and some pharmacies.
Always call an ambulance even if naloxone has been given.
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.
Support is available from drug and alcohol treatment services.