Toronto authorities are alerting the public following the tragic deaths of two individuals due to suspected opioid overdoses within the same neighborhood on consecutive days this week.
The first incident occurred on September 15 when police were summoned to Eglinton Avenue West and Dufferin Street regarding a reported overdose. Upon arrival, a person was discovered deceased at the location, with authorities attributing opioid consumption as the likely cause.
Just a day later, on September 16, law enforcement responded to another overdose incident in the identical area. Once again, a person was found unresponsive, with investigators indicating a suspected opioid overdose as the cause of death.
Concerns are now raised by officials that there may be additional individuals in the community who have procured or been given the same dangerous drugs.
While these tragic events underscore the persistent risks associated with Toronto’s contaminated drug supply, recent city data offers some positive indicators. Data from the Toronto Overdose Information System reveals a decrease in non-fatal suspected opioid overdose calls to paramedics in 2025 as compared to both 2024 and 2023. Additionally, the number of fatal suspected opioid overdoses has also dropped from the elevated levels of previous years.
Public health experts emphasize, however, that the drug landscape remains precarious and hazardous. Fentanyl and its analogues continue to be identified in the majority of fatal overdoses, and many incidents involve a mix of substances, making them more challenging to counteract with naloxone alone.
Toronto authorities are urging anyone who experiences severe symptoms after using narcotics to promptly seek medical assistance by dialing 911, visiting a hospital emergency department, or heading to a walk-in clinic.