7 youths in Waterloo, Ont. sent to hospital after consuming ‘yellow or white tablets’
Several young people in Waterloo, Ont. were transported to hospital Wednesday after consuming what police suspect were drugs in tablet form.
Waterloo Regional Police Service (WRPS) said they received reports of seven youths experiencing drowsiness and laboured breathing in the area of University Avenue and Fischer Hallman Road around 2:30 p.m.
“Investigators believe that the youths consumed a yellow or white tablet with the word ‘Xanax’ stamped on the pill,” Const. Melissa Quarrie told CTV on Thursday, describing the pill as rectangular in shape. “It’s unknown what the composition of the pills are at this time and investigators are working to determine that – as well as who provided these tablets.”
As of 5 p.m. Wednesday the youths were still in hospital.
“The conditions of the youths at this time are believed to be non-life threatening with no long-lasting effects,” Quarrie said.
WRPS is asking guardians to have a conversation with their children about drug use and is warning anyone who may have the tablets to not consume them.
“Investigators will continue to speak with any involved witnesses, students’ parents, anyone who may have information about this incident to determine where these pills came from and who provided them,” said Quarrie.
HIGH SCHOOL STUDENTS INVOLVED
On Thursday morning, the Waterloo Catholic District School Board (WCDSB) confirmed to CTV News that students from Resurrection Catholic Secondary School were involved.
“I was just stunned honestly,” said Quincy Patterson, a student at Resurrection. “There's a lot of drugs around this area, and KW, and I didn't expect it to be this bad."
In a letter sent to parents of the school, and obtained by CTV News, WCDSB said the incident occurred off school property, but there were still police, paramedics, and fire at the school on Wednesday.
“I saw it everywhere once it came out. We got an email about it, and an announcement on the PA, notifications on social media – all over. So, it's a pretty big thing," said student Everett Sollazzo.
The board said the administrator team is in contact with WRPS regarding the investigation. Social workers are engaged in supporting all students and staff who require support, the board said.
“Yesterday’s incident was obviously very serious, but we are confident Resurrection High School is and will remain a safe and secure place to learn and work. We are grateful for EMS support, and we are thankful that all students are doing well,” said the letter to parents.
WCDSB and WRPS did not confirm how many students from Resurrection were involved.
“These situations can be prevented way easier if people just said 'no,”' said student Aby Biniam.
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
B.C. tenants evicted for landlord's use after refusing large rent increase to take over neighbouring suite
Ashley Dickey and her mother rented part of the same Coquitlam duplex in three different decades under three different landlords.
MPP Sarah Jama asked to leave Ontario legislature for wearing keffiyeh
MPP Sarah Jama was asked to leave the Legislative Assembly of Ontario by House Speaker Ted Arnott on Thursday for wearing a keffiyeh, a garment which has been banned at Queen’s Park.
Mountain guide dies after falling into a crevasse in Banff National Park
A man who fell into a crevasse while leading a backcountry ski group deep in the Canadian Rockies has died.
Expert warns of food consumption habits amid rising prices
A new survey by Dalhousie University's Agri-Food Analytics Lab asked Canadians about their food consumption habits amid rising prices.
Here's why provinces aren't following Saskatchewan's lead on the carbon tax home heating fight
After Prime Minister Justin Trudeau said the federal government would still send Canada Carbon Rebate cheques to Saskatchewan residents, despite Saskatchewan Premier Scott Moe's decision to stop collecting the carbon tax on natural gas or home heating, questions were raised about whether other provinces would follow suit. CTV News reached out across the country and here's what we found out.
Montreal actress calls Weinstein ruling 'discouraging' but not surprising
A Montreal actress, who has previously detailed incidents she had with disgraced Hollywood producer Harvey Weinstein, says a New York Court of Appeals decision overturning his 2020 rape conviction is 'discouraging' but not surprising.
Charlie Woods, son of Tiger, shoots 81 in U.S. Open qualifier
Charlie Woods failed to advance in a U.S. Open local qualifying event Thursday, shooting a 9-over 81 at Legacy Golf & Tennis Club.
Caleb Williams, Jayden Daniels and Drake Maye make it four NFL drafts with quarterbacks going 1-3
Caleb Williams is heading to the Windy City, aiming to become the franchise quarterback Chicago has sought for decades.
Improve balance and build core strength with this exercise
When it comes to cardiovascular fitness, you may tend to focus on activities that move you forward, such as walking, running and cycling.