Thompson RCMP are investigating six overdoses in The Pas that they believe are linked to drugs laced with an opioid.

On April 22, 2023, at approximately 8:45 pm, RCMP received a report of four unresponsive males at an establishment located on Fischer Avenue in The Pas.

Officers attended and assisted EMS with the administration of naloxone in an effort to revive the four males.

Police say that these individuals had ingested what's believed to be, tainted drugs.

Three of the four males, ages 46, 37, and 33, were revived and transported to hospital where they were treated and later released.

The fourth male, 31, was transported to hospital and later flown to Brandon where he remains in critical condition.

Several hours later, RCMP received an additional report of two other overdoses at the same location. These two males were taken to hospital where they were treated and released.

The following day, an officer at the Thompson General Hospital, who was there on an unrelated matter, was approached by a nurse who turned over a small box.

Inside the box, the officer found seven vials of an unknown crystal-like powder substance. Each vial contained approximately one gram of a suspected drug.

The officer returned to the detachment and conducted a field test on the substance which indicated the presence of an opioid.

A sample of the suspected drug has been forwarded for further analysis.

RCMP believe the drugs seized in Thompson may be the same substance that was discovered in The Pas which led to the hospitalization of six individuals, one of whom remains in critical condition. Thompson RCMP report one case of an overdose believed to be linked to this same drug.

Anyone with information is asked to call RCMP at 204-627-6204, Crime Stoppers anonymously at 1-800-222-8477, or give a secure tip online at www.manitobacrimestoppers.com.