After Five Suspected Overdose Deaths-ACT Police Warn of Potentially Lethal Drugs
Canberra, 21 August 2026 — ACT Policing is warning the community about potentially lethal illicit drugs circulating in Canberra after five people died from suspected drug overdoses in separate incidents over the past fortnight.
Police said the exact causes of the deaths are yet to be determined, but opioids are suspected to have been involved in all five cases.
At least two further non-fatal suspected drug overdoses have also been reported in Canberra over the past week.
Opioids carry a high risk of addiction and can cause breathing difficulties, respiratory failure and death.
ACT Policing is urging people who use drugs, as well as those around them, to recognise the warning signs of an overdose. These can include extreme drowsiness, loss of consciousness, unusual breathing and skin turning blue or grey.
Anyone who suspects an overdose should immediately call 000 and administer naloxone if it is available.
Naloxone can temporarily reverse the effects of an opioid overdose and is available free of charge from CanTEST, CAHMA, the Civic and Woden Needle and Syringe Programs, and some pharmacies.
Police stressed that an ambulance should always be called, even if naloxone has been administered.
People can also access free and confidential drug testing through CanTEST, which provides chemical analysis of pills and drugs intended for personal use, along with information and harm-reduction advice.
ACT Policing is urging the community to remain alert and seek emergency assistance immediately if an overdose is suspected.
: ACT Policing
