BC NEWS, DAWSON CREEK

Thursday, September 12, 2024

Two separate illicit drug deaths in Dawson Creek have prompted the RCMP to issue a warning to the public…

Police say the first fatal overdose occurred on September 9, in the late afternoon, when a 43 year-old female was located deceased in a makeshift shelter near 17th Street and Willowbrook Cres. When officers arrived on scene, they noticed the woman had been using illicit drugs prior to her death.

On September 10, 2024 just before 1 pm, officers were advised from a by-stander that a male was located deceased in a local park near Chamberlin Drive and 15th Street. Officers arrived on scene and again items were located indicating recent drug use prior to the man’s death.

Northern Health issued a toxic drug warning to the community of Dawson Creek on August 15, 2024. The agency said at the time there was an increase in overdoses in Dawson Creek linked to a chunky purple substance sold as “side”. This drug causes sudden overdose when smoked and takes multiple doses of naloxone to reverse.

The toxic drug warning ended as of August 29, 2024, but it is still advisable to be on the lookout for a chunky purple illicit drug sold as “side”.