The Regina Police Service, in conjunction with the Saskatchewan Coroners Service, is investigating the death of a 19 year-old female, which occurred overnight on March 10-11, 2020. Police and the Chief Coroner are warning the public out of concern that this death may be the result of a drug overdose.
NOTE: Cause and manner of death are conclusions determined by the Saskatchewan Coroners Service; this death is still under investigation.
In this case, police were dispatched at approximately 1:08 a.m. on Wednesday, March 11, 2020, to a residence in the 1400 block of Elphinstone Street. EMS and firefighters were already at the scene for a report of an unresponsive female. The female was pronounced deceased by EMS at approximately 1:15 a.m. Police and the Saskatchewan Coroners Service began investigation into this death. The deceased person has been identified as a 19 year-old Regina female and her family was notified of her death. At this time, her name will not be released by police. The investigation has just received expedited test results which indicate the presence of fentanyl and carfentanyl. There is still more investigation required before this case is concluded; however, the presence of these dangerous drugs is prompting a renewed warning to the Regina public about the consequences of illicit drug use. Anyone who is an active user of illicit fentanyl or fentanyl analogs is in danger. Even if people are not making good choices for themselves, others around them should be aware of the higher-than-usual potential for a drug overdose and have a safety plan.
We cannot overemphasize the importance of calling 9-1-1 in the event of a drug overdose. Symptoms of an opioid overdose may include: slow or no breathing; gurgling, gasping or snoring; clammy, cool skin; and blue lips or nails. If you suspect someone has overdosed on any drug, call 9-1-1. The Good Samaritan Drug Overdose Act protects anyone who is experiencing, or anyone who is present when someone else is experiencing, a drug overdose from charges for possession of a controlled substance when they call 9-1-1 for help. More information about the Good Samaritan Drug Overdose Act is available here. People can also access Naloxone kits, if they are concerned about experiencing or witnessing a drug overdose. More information on take-home Naloxone is available online at:
https://www.saskatchewan.ca/opioids#preventing-opioid-overdoses-take-home-naloxone
The Regina Police Service also recognizes there are people who have information which could help rid our community of these substances and hold people accountable for the crime of drug trafficking.
Anyone with information that could help police in this death investigation is asked to contact the Regina Police Service at 306-777-6500 or Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-8477.