Drug overdose increase in Durham

Durham police say there has been an increase in drug overdose calls.

Officers have responded to 12 overdose calls in the last 24 hours, leading police to believe there may be a toxic “batch” of drugs circulating in Durham Region.

Police are reminding residents that it is dangerous to use non-prescription drugs purchased from unregulated sources, noting illicit drugs may contain contaminates that can cause overdoses and are undetectable to the user.

There are things police say can help to prevent an overdose, such as never using drugs alone; being careful about dosage size as there is no safe level of illicit drug use; avoiding mixing drugs; knowing the signs and symptoms of an overdose and calling 9-1-1 if someone is possibly overdosing; and to having a Naloxone kit available.

The overdose prevention line is a number that be called if someone is using drugs alone.

For more information, call 1-888-853-8542.