Deadly overdoses in 2018 lead to new charges

New charges, including manslaughter, are being laid in connection with a deadly string of drug overdoses last year in Saskatoon.

Charges of manslaughter, criminal negligence causing death, and criminal negligence causing bodily harm are now being laid against three suspects.

Police first brought the overdose concerns to the public’s attention in March.

Police put out a warning about what they thought was fentanyl-laced cocaine. Investigators took the unusual step of releasing the suspected drug dealer’s street name and cell phone number.

Four people died, but there was also a large number of people who overdosed and survived.

Police quickly made three arrests.

Saskatoon Police Service Supt. David Haye spoke to reporters after those arrests were made on March 12, shortly after the three accused made their first appearances in Saskatoon Provincial Court.

At the time, Haye said there hadn’t been any new calls concerning fentanyl overdoses after those arrests were made.

All three men initially had been charged with drug trafficking and weapons charges.