39 overdoses in 24 hours in London Ontario amid suspected toxic drug supply
Emergency services responded to 39 overdose-related calls between 8: 00 a. m. ET Wednesday and 8: 00 a. m. ET Thursday in london ontario after a suspect allegedly handed out a free substance in the downtown core, triggering multiple non-fatal overdoses; investigators warn a potentially toxic supply may be circulating and the probe has been reassigned to the London Police Service criminal investigation division.
What happened
Between 8: 00 a. m. ET Wednesday and 8: 00 a. m. ET Thursday, emergency services answered 39 overdose-related calls in london ontario, with several people requiring medical care. The spike was first flagged shortly after 11: 15 a. m. ET Wednesday, when officers responded to reports of multiple non-fatal overdoses in the downtown area. Investigators learned a suspect driving through the downtown core had distributed a free substance to a number of people before leaving the area; several who ingested the substance later overdosed and required medical attention.
Immediate reactions
London police described a potentially “toxic supply of illegal substances” that may be circulating in the community and reassigned the investigation to the London Police Service criminal investigation division to determine the origin of the substance and identify those responsible. “Police, fire, and paramedic services continue to operate within capacity and have resources in place to respond to both emergency and non-emergency calls, ” London police said. Officials urged anyone who may have received the substance not to ingest it and to contact police, and asked residents to provide dashcam footage or surveillance video from the downtown core that may assist investigators.
Quick context
London Health Sciences Centre activated a Code Orange Alert to deal with patients arriving with non-fatal drug overdoses as the city responded to the surge. Officials also reminded residents of the risks associated with illegal drugs, encouraged people not to use substances alone, to carry naloxone where possible, and to call 911 immediately if an overdose is suspected; the Good Samaritan Drug Overdose Act can offer some legal protection to those who seek emergency help.
What’s next in London Ontario
The criminal investigation division is working to trace the origin of the substance and identify those responsible; investigators will be seeking video evidence and witness accounts from the downtown core. Emergency services remain on alert, and London Health Sciences Centre continues to manage incoming patients under a Code Orange Alert. Officials are asking anyone in london ontario who may have received a free substance from a vehicle in the downtown area not to ingest it and to contact police immediately. Expect updates as investigators review footage, interview witnesses, and share further public-safety guidance in the coming hours and days.
