7 young people in hospital after consuming unknown drugs in Waterloo

Seven youth were transported to hospital on Wednesday after consuming unknown suspected drugs in Waterloo.

Waterloo regional police said officers were called to the area of University Avenue and Fischer Hallman Roadat about 2:30 p.m. after several young people began experiencing drowsiness and laboured breathing. Police did not specify their age.

Police said their symptoms occurred after consuming suspected drugs. They were all transported to hospital.

A spokesperson withthe Waterloo Catholic District School Boardconfirmed the incidentinvolvedsome students fromResurrection Catholic Secondary School in Kitchener.

Police said the substance consumed is unknown at this time and that an investigation is ongoing.

Anyone with information is asked to call police at or Crime Stoppers. Anonymous tips can also be submittedonline here.

5 suspected overdoses

On Thursday evening, theWaterloo Region Integrated Drug Strategy said there were five suspected overdose-related incidents in the last 24 hours involving youth.

The group said on November 2, the youths consumed what was described as white or yellow Xanax pills, which could have also contained LSD or Fentanyl.

Police confirmed to CBC K-W that these five incidents are among the ones they are investigating.

Police released an online statement that advised people not to consume drugs that were received or purchased.