Waterloo Region, Ontario, is under an urgent community drug alert after 44 suspected overdoses and one suspected death were reported in just five days. The Overdose Monitoring Alert and Response System (OMARS) issued the warning on July 3, 2026, covering cases between June 28 and July 2.
The Region of Waterloo Public Health says the local street drug supply is highly toxic. Testing by Sanguen Health Centre found fentanyl laced with high amounts of medetomidine, a powerful veterinary sedative, and para-fluorofentanyl, an unregulated fentanyl-like opioid. Medetomidine is not an opioid and does not respond to naloxone, the overdose-reversing medication.
People who used drugs reported shivering, difficulty moving, and complex overdoses marked by deep sleepiness and very low heart rate. Others experienced complex withdrawal, including heavy vomiting, chest pain, and going in and out of awareness. Officials warn that unexpected drugs can be mixed into any type of street drug without users knowing, and the ongoing hot weather increases the risk of overdose and death.
The alert comes amid a steep rise in opioid-related emergencies. Paramedics responded to 825 calls for suspected opioid overdoses from January to June 25, 2026, nearly double the 438 calls during the same period in 2025. Six community drug alerts were issued in the first half of this year, compared to only two in early 2025.
Residents are urged to carry naloxone, use drugs with someone else present if possible, and call 911 immediately if an overdose is suspected. To receive future alerts directly, sign up at regionofwaterloo.ca/CommunityDrugAlerts.
