14-Year-Old Faces Drug Trafficking Charges In Ottawa After 5 Youths Had Overdose Symptoms

An unusual situation unfolded in Ottawa on Tuesday night. Police were called to assist a number of youths who were experiencing overdose symptoms, and now a 14-year-old faces drug trafficking charges. Police believe their symptoms resulted from the consumption of illicit pills.

In a statement on June 10, Ottawa police confirmed that they’d charged a young teenager with drug trafficking, following a series of incidents that occurred on Tuesday evening.

On June 9, police responded to a call about a man who had possibly overdosed in the Ramsay Crescent area. When officers attended the scene, they discovered a “suspicious vehicle.”

Their investigation found “a large quantity of white pills presumed to be Alprazolam (Xanax).” The drugs have been seized and submitted to Health Canada for analysis.

In the same 48 hours, Ottawa police responded to several calls for medical assistance in relation to young people exhibiting symptoms of overdoses in the same area.

On Wednesday, June 10, a young boy was charged with “possession for the purpose of drug trafficking.” He has been released into the custody of his parents. 

Five young people, including the 14-year-old male that was charged, received medical attention for their symptoms. 

Police believe the symptoms came from the consumption of illicit drugs.

Police have not named the boy under the Youth Criminal Justice Act, because he is underage.

As part of their press release, Ottawa police added, “The Drug Unit reminds the public that the use of illegally-obtained substances presents inherent risks, as counterfeit drugs do not taste, smell or look different than prescription drugs obtained at a pharmacy or from your physician.”

To help combat drug abuse in the city, Ottawa Public Health has a dedicated website called “Stop Overdose Ottawa.”

The site has a dedicated page with information and resources about preventing and responding to an overdose situation.

Last year, a young boy died of a drug overdose at a BC skatepark.

A vigil was later held for 14-year-old Carson Crimeni, and hundreds of local people attended.

*This article's cover image is for illustrative purposes only.

If you or someone you know is struggling with alcohol or substance use, help is available. You can click here for additional resources.