Police in London, Ontario are investigating a surge in overdoses after dozens of incidents were reported within a 24 hour period in the city’s downtown area.
According to a statement from London police, emergency services responded to 39 overdose related calls between 8:00 AM Wednesday and 8:00 AM Thursday. Several individuals required medical treatment.
Investigators believe a potentially “toxic supply of illegal substances” may be circulating in the community.
The increase in overdoses was first reported shortly after 11:15 AM Wednesday when officers responded to several non-fatal overdoses in the downtown core.
Police said investigators later learned that a suspect had allegedly driven through the area and distributed a free substance to multiple people before leaving the scene.
Authorities say several individuals who consumed the substance subsequently overdosed and required medical assistance.
The case has now been assigned to the London Police Service criminal investigation division. Officers are working to identify the substance and determine who may be responsible.
