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By Pete McIntyre

RCMP issue warning

Drug overdoses claim five lives in one day

Sep 24, 2022 | 5:30 PM

Police have issued a warning to people who use drugs after an alarming number of overdose deaths in Kelowna and West Kelowna.

RCMP in those Okanagan cities said as of 3:30 p.m. today (Sept. 24), officers have attended three calls for drug overdoses, resulting in the loss of five lives over nine hours.

“Starting at 8:13 a.m., the BC Ambulance Service advised police they were at the scene of an overdose in the 800 block of Saucier Avenue. Officers attended, observed signs of drug use, and found a 32-year-old Kelowna man deceased in his bed,” said Constable Mike Della-Paolera.

Since the first death, Mounties have attended two more scenes, with a total of five deaths.

‘The RCMP said they are very concerned and are warning the public that more overdoses are possible. They are recommending if you are a person who is engaged in substance use, to practice safe usage.

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“Overdose deaths are preventable, and we have the tools we need to stop people from dying from drugs,” said Della-Paolera, Kelowna RCMP media relations officer.

Police provide the following advice:

• Be prepared by using a supervised consumption site
• Do not use alone; make a plan and use a buddy system
• Test it before you ingest it
• Carry Naloxone, a critical tool that reverses an overdose, should be accessible to everyone.
• Spread awareness to keep people safe.