2023 the 2nd deadliest year for drug overdoses in Regina: police

Last year was the second-deadliest on record fordrug overdoses in Regina.

According to data released by the Regina Police Service (RPS), there were 151 apparent drug overdoses in the city in 2023.

That's less than the record set in 2021, when 164 apparent overdose deaths were reported, but more than the 118 recorded in 2022.

RPS has only been collecting apparent overdose statisticssince 2018.

Farooq Sheikh, Regina's new chief of police, said after a board of police commissioner's meeting on Tuesdaythat his officers deal with the reality of drug toxicity every day.

However, he said, that doesn't' meanRPS is equipped to solvethe problem.

"I think it's extremely challenging for the police service,"Sheikh said."The overdose rates have gone up and, you know, my staff do their best to get there to try and support and try and help, but it's difficult because with overdoses there's not a lot we can control as the police service."

LISTEN|Could changes to Saskatchewan's needle exchanges cause more harm than good?

Blue Sky48:39Could changes to Saskatchewan's needle exchanges cause more harm than good?

The provincial government has decided -- a needle for a needle. In order for people living with a substance use disorder to get a clean needle, they must provide a used one. The Minister says this will keep the broader community safe. Their goal is to put the emphasis on treatment -- and the journey to get OFF drugs. Today, we take a closer look at this approach, specifically, what impact it will have on rural and remote communities. We checked in with the Prince Albert Grand Council and the Scattered Site Outreach Program in LaRonge. We also had two doctors in Regina call-in to share their concerns with the recent change.

Sheikh's explanation echoes comments made by his predecessor Evan Bray, who during his time as policechief repeatedly said the justice system is not equipped to help those dealing with addiction.

Instead, Braypointed to the need for a more robust health care and social services system.

Saskatchewan has continued to grapple with a drug toxicity provincewide.

Data from the Saskatchewan Coroners Service indicates there were 484 confirmed and suspecteddrug toxicity deaths in Saskatchewan in 2023.

Depending on how many of the 193 suspected drug toxicity deaths are confirmed, that total could surpass the record set in 2021, when there were 404 deaths the highest number of deaths in publicly available data, whichdates back to 2010.

The province recently announced a plan to further transition to a "recovery-oriented" system of care for illicit drug use in the province.

The change means the province will stop provide clean pipes to smoke drugs and literature on how to use pipes safely, and third parties will also not be allowed to use provincial funds to do so.

Saskatchewan'sMinistry of Health is also requiring needle exchanges to receive used needles before providing clean needles.

The move drew criticism from an expertand a front-line worker, who saidthe policy shift will set back efforts to stop the transmission of HIV/AIDs and flies in the face of decades of science.

LISTEN|Public health professor on province's changes to distribution of clean pipes and needle exchanging:

The Morning Edition - Sask9:53Public health professor on province's changes to distribution of clean pipes and needle exchanging

Saskatchewan provided clean pipes to drug users nearly six years ago. It was meant to help injection drug users transition away from using needles to the safer method of smoking. But that practice is no more. Saskatchewan will end the distribution of clean pipes. We talked to Barabara Fornssler a University of Saskatchewan professor from the School of Public Health. She researches substance use and harm reduction.