Increase in overdose charges in 2019
(ORILLIA, ON) – The Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) has had 13 occurrences where charges have been laid for Manslaughter and/or Criminal Negligence Causing Death in relation to fatal overdoses since 2016. Eight of these occurrences were this year.
The 13 overdose-related death investigations have led to 20 Manslaughter and 12 Criminal Negligence Causing Death charges. The OPP is not the only police service to lay charges of this nature. Other police services across the province are collectively sending the same message – there is no excuse for selling, distributing or trafficking drugs such as fentanyl when the deadliness of this drug is very well-known.
In light of the charges laid in August, the OPP will be releasing an article on opp.ca/news highlighting the statistics of the 13 investigations, and will also provide this information on various social media platforms (Twitter @OPPCommissioner, Facebook @ontarioprovincialpolice) to educate the public on the severity of selling, distributing and trafficking opioids.
Anyone with information related to overdose deaths may call the OPP at 1-888-310-1122 or their local police. To remain anonymous, contact Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-8477 (TIPS) or submit information at p3tips.com.
“There are no excuses in today’s environment to continue to allow this drug to be distributed through our communities. People are dying from opioid overdoses every day. We are continuing to hold those people who are knowingly trafficking harmful substances, such as fentanyl, in our communities accountable for these deaths.” – Interim Deputy Paul BEESLEY, Investigations and Organized Crime, OPP
