Fentanyl suspected in 1 death, trio of Winnipeg overdoses

Police say one person is dead and two others were taken to hospital after suspected fentanyl overdoses.

Three people overdosed in two separate cases in Winnipeg this weekend, police said, adding investigators haven'tyet confirmedwhether fentanyl was indeed the drug that was consumed.

Police said these cases provide a reminder about the dangers associated with using drugs like cocaine and fentanyl.

In its media release on the overdoses, theWinnipeg Police Service referenced the Canadian Centre on Substance Abuse (CCSA). Just days ago, the CCSA released a newreport charting a rise in fentanyl-related deaths in Canadabetween 2009 and 2014.

• New study finds fentanyl deaths on the rise in Canada

According to Winnipeg police, symptoms experienced by people who are overdosing onfentanyl may include:

• Severe sleepiness
• Slow heartbeat
• Trouble breathing, shallow breathing or snoring
• Cold, clammy skin
• Trouble walking or talking

While they included the disclaimer that police do not condone the use of "illicit drugs," the WPSalso provided a list of safety tips for people who usedrugs:

• Don't use alone
• Start with a small amount
• Mixing substances, including alcohol, increases overdose risk
• Call 9-1-1 immediately if someone overdoses