OPP, Health Unit issue warning about toxic illicit substance circulating region

Local police and health unit officials issued a warning on August 6 about a toxic substance circulating across the County of Simcoe and Muskoka.

Officials say the substance is referred to locally as ‘red down’. While exact details aren’t yet known, it is believed to be a form of fentanyl with animal tranquilizers and benzodiazapines added in.

Officials say the drug poses a serious risk of death, as the substances causes extreme sedation and the risk of stopping breathing.

They say there have also been a higher than usual number of suspected drug-related deaths across the region in recent days, and that details of the substance involved in these deaths is not yet known.

For more information, visit simcoemuskokahealth.org.

Andrew Mendler
Andrew Mendler
Andrew is Vista Radio's Cottage Country New Director, who manages news in Haliburton, Muskoka and Parry Sound. He was born in London, raised in Tillsonburg and has lived in Belleville, Huntsville, Midland and Bonnyville, Alberta. He currently resides in Parry Sound with his fiancé, two step kids, dog and two cats. After graduating Loyalist College, Andrew worked as a newspaper reporter for over a decade, before transitioning to broadcasting in 2023. If you have a news tip you'd like to share, email Andrew at amendler@vistaradio.ca.

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