The Regina Police Service has received over 50 reports of potential overdoses in the last 24 hours.

However, the RPS says many of these calls are being made to the non-emergency administration line, and should be coming through 911, instead.

RPS is encouraging anyone who witnesses an overdose to call 911. Shannon Walter, Manager of the Regina Police Service Communications Centre, says, “If you are driving by and see someone who may be in distress, but are unable to stop, call 911. We are finding that because people aren’t sure, they are calling the non-emergent line.”

This comes after the Ministry of Health issued a drug overdose alert for the same area. An unknown drug, that may contain opioids, benzodiazepines and other unknown substances has prompted the Saskatchewan Ministry of Health to update and continue with a drug overdose alert for the Regina area.

A news release from the Ministry of Health says that Regina Fire and Protective Services, along with the Newo-Yotina Friendship Centre are continuing to report an elevated and increasing number of overdoses. Over last weekend, from Friday through Sunday, there were three suspected overdose fatalities from 29 overdoses in total. Newo-Yotina tested several samples that were positive for fentanyl and benzodiazepines.

However, as of Monday, no new description or tested substances were found. Multiple doses of naloxone have been required but were not always effective to counter the effects of substances other than opioids.