Two officers end up in the hospital after accidental drug exposure

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: Wednesday, February 12, 2025    2:00 pm

(Ottawa) – Two Ottawa Police officers were hospitalized after being exposed to fentanyl and crystal meth during separate arrests.

In the early hours of February 5, 2025, an Ottawa Police officer was taken to the hospital after being exposed to fentanyl during a traffic stop and subsequent arrest of a 36-year-old man on Esprit Drive. Fortunately, thanks to an immediate response, the officer has since been released from the hospital and is expected to make a full recovery.

Over 70 grams of Fentanyl and 146 grams of unknown white powder were seized. The man was charged with possession of a schedule I substance for the purpose of trafficking.

Only three days later, an officer from the Ottawa Police East division seized crystal meth from a male he arrested and started feeling nauseous and lightheaded during the transportation. The officer pulled over and the sergeant following his police cruiser called for paramedics. This officer was also transported to the hospital, has since been released and is doing well.

These incidents highlight the life-threatening risk fentanyl and other drugs pose to first responders. It also clearly demonstrates how the risk associated to the drug has devasted communities across Canada leaving thousands of people mourning the loss of their loved ones to drug overdoses.

For resources and information on substance abuse and addiction, harm reduction and community tools and programs, visit stopoverdoseottawa.ca. 

Anonymous tips can be submitted by calling Crime Stoppers toll-free at 1-800-222-8477 or at crimestoppers.ca. 

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Through the Community Safety Data portal data.ottawapolice.ca, members of the public can view, download, and interact with data released by the Ottawa Police Service.

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