The Manitoba First Nations Police Service is warning the public about a “dangerous drug supply” circulating in Sandy Bay Ojibway First Nation.
Police said in a news release sent shortly after 12:30 p.m. Thursday that officers were sent to three separate incidents in the past 24 hours where people who consumed drugs lost consciousness. In one case, naloxone was administered to save a person’s life.
“The safety and well-being of the citizens in the communities we serve are our top priority, and we want to ensure that our citizens stay safe and healthy,” the release said.
“We want to caution anyone who has purchased or plans to consume illicit drugs in Sandy Bay First Nation that the substances may be unsafe. We do not want any citizens to become victims due to tainted drugs or substances.”
Sandy Bay is located on the western shore of Lake Manitoba, north of Langruth.
The MFNPS said it is working closely with local authorities and health professionals regarding the issue. The police service is asking anyone with information about the source of the drugs to call its Sandy Bay detachment at 204-843-7700, or to call the MFNPS tips line anonymously at 1-833-978-0048 or email tips@mfnp.ca.
Earlier this week, Manitoba Keewatinowi Okimakanak acting Grand Chief Angela Levasseur said addiction is widespread in remote Indigenous communities and called on the federal and provincial governments to stop the flow of illicit drugs and alcohol.
O-Pipon-Na-Piwin Cree Nation recently imposed a curfew and declared a state of emergency after at least two people were wounded in stabbings this weekend.
Chief Shirley Ducharme estimated about half a dozen people were injured in incidents on Friday night and early Saturday. She called for more resources from the federal government and First Nations leadership to help in its fight against addiction after the recent violence.
The chief said her community needs a healing or treatment centre for residents to seek help with addictions and mental-health issues at home.
— with files from The Canadian Press
fpcity@freepress.mb.ca