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South Simcoe Police respond to two drug overdoses in Bradford West Gwillimbury

April 10, 2025   ·   0 Comments

Drug overdoses continue to impact residents of South Simcoe.

A call was made to local emergency services on March 21, at roughly 5:25 a.m., about a male who may have suffered a drug dose. 

“South Simcoe Police worked with Bradford Fire and Simcoe County Emergency Medical Services (EMS) to locate the person who called requesting assistance. Once the caller was located, officers entered a wooded area near Line 8 and Yonge Street in Bradford West Gwillimbury and found a 29-year-old unhoused male who was not responsive,” reads a press release issued by the South Simcoe Police on April 7.

“A small quantity of drugs was found at the scene which officers seized for analysis. In addition to the drugs found, drug paraphernalia was scattered throughout a tent that the male was found in. As a result of the investigation, the male located was deceased due to a suspected drug overdose. A substance suspected to be fentanyl was seized at the scene.”

In a separate incident, on March 22, 2025, at approximately 1:30 a.m., while on patrol, a South Simcoe Police officer located a 34-year-old male on the ground next to a vehicle that was behind a retail plaza in Bradford West Gwillimbury. 

“Other officers attended the scene and immediately administered naloxone and CPR. Simcoe County EMS attended the scene and transported the male to a local area hospital. Despite the lifesaving efforts of the officers on scene, the male was pronounced deceased in hospital. Drug paraphernalia was seized by officers at the scene and will be analyzed to determine what drugs the deceased had taken prior to their death,” reads the South Simcoe Police’s press release.

Toxicology results in both overdose cases are still pending.

South Simcoe Police would like to remind the public that any street drug is considered dangerous and potentially lethal, as they can be contaminated. 

“There are many additives that can be included in street drugs that can lead to an individual quickly becoming incapacitated and unable to help themselves,” reads the South Simcoe Police’s press release. 

“Fentanyl that has been seized by the South Simcoe Police Service in the past has been found to contain additives including Benzodiazepines, Nitazenes (synthetic opioids), and Xylazine (veterinary sedative). These additives can cause severe respiratory depression, and naloxone will not reverse its effects.”

Furthermore, South Simcoe Police are reminding the public about the provisions of the Good Samaritan Drug Overdose Act. The provisions of this Act will protect someone who is experiencing a drug-related emergency from being charged and prosecuted with drug offenses if they seek assistance from emergency services. 

In addition, this Act will protect a third party from being charged and prosecuted for drug offenses if they call for assistance on someone else’s behalf who is experiencing a drug related emergency.

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