Police warn public over 7 suspected heroin overdoses in Vancouver

VANCOUVER – Vancouver police are asking local drug users to use the services of a well-known, safe-injection site after a rash of suspected heroin overdoses.

Police say there were seven suspected overdoses Tuesday on the city’s Downtown Eastside.

The department is now asking local drug users to be extremely cautious and use Insite.

Police say Insite is staffed by medical personnel who can help users when things go wrong.

They are also asking local residents to call 911 if they see somebody in medical distress and that drug users seek immediate medical help if they don’t feel well.

Insite is the city’s first legal safe injection site and has been credited by Vancouver’s chief medical health officer Dr. Patricia Daly with saving lives and reducing the risk of infection from disease like HIV and hepatitis C.