London police are searching for an individual reported to be driving around the city center, allegedly distributing drugs that have led to overdoses in those who consumed them.
Authorities stated that, so far, none of the overdoses have been fatal; however, a series of calls regarding individuals in medical distress began around 11:15 a. m. on Wednesday.
Witnesses informed police that the driver was approaching people and offering a free substance. Police have not released a description of the suspect or their vehicle yet.
Chris Moss is the executive director at London Cares, an organization that provides outreach services for unhoused individuals in London.
Moss mentioned that news about the overdoses spread rapidly, prompting alerts to various agencies supporting street-involved individuals. She learned about the situation when she saw staff rushing through London Cares offices at 602 Queens Ave.
“Sadly we just find out because people literally start dropping on our front lawn,” said Moss. She began hearing reports that a man was driving around downtown handing out a yellow pill to people.
“He was giving it out for free and it was very, very toxic,” said Moss. “Our staff was very busy doing CPR.”
Moss explained that when information surfaces about toxic drugs circulating within illegal drug supplies, there’s usually a coordinated response from police and agencies providing services for street-involved populations.
An alert from Regional HIV/AIDS Connection, which runs London’s supervised drug use site, cautioned individuals that these overdoses appear linked to yellow-colored fentanyl pills.
Regional HIV/AIDS Connection also shared signs to watch for if a toxic overdose is suspected:
A person can’t be woken up Breathing slows or stops Snoring or gurgling sounds Fingernails and lips may turn blue or purple
“Sadly it does happen,” she said.
“There are a lot of people that do have the desire to harm people who are unhoused. People who are unhoused and using substances are some of the most vulnerable people in our community.”
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Hospital issued code orange
In a statement to , London Health Sciences (LHSC), which manages the city’s two largest hospitals, confirmed they activated a Code Orange due to an influx of patients with “non-fatal drug overdoses.” A code orange is an emergency situation in hospitals requiring staff reassignment from regular duties to handle an increased number of incoming patients. LHSC indicated they couldn’t provide specifics about how many people were affected. “While we understand that incidents necessitating this form of response may be unsettling, we want to assure you team LHSC stands ready to respond to the community’s needs,” the statement said. Police are advising individuals not to take drugs from uncertain sources and encourage anyone approached by this driver to contact them immediately. They’re also seeking public assistance with information including dash cam footage and surveillance video from residential or business properties downtown as part of their investigation. Moss didn’t have exact figures regarding how many were affected but believed it could be at least seven people. Members of her team were out in downtown Wednesday actively warning those who might not know about these dangerous drugs circulating. While it’s concerning, Moss noted it isn’t unheard of for someone to attempt harming others by intentionally distributing known toxic substances.“Sadly it does happen,” she said.
“There are a lot of people that do have the desire to harm people who are unhoused. People who are unhoused and using substances are some of the most vulnerable people in our community.”
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