Multiple women report being drugged while downtown, Sudbury, Ont., police say

Multiple women reported being drugged Saturday while visiting establishments in downtown Sudbury, city police said Wednesday.

"This past weekend, our service became aware that a number of female individuals in our community had ended up at Health Sciences North with signs and symptoms consistent of drugging," Det. Staff Sgt. Barry Ornella told CTV News.

"They were out at licensed establishments in our downtown, so this obviously led to our concern that there may be other individuals in the community who fell victim."

"At this point we are aware of three women who have come forward to police to share their experience," Ornella added.

"However, we have good reason to believe that there are others who have not yet reported. It's important that anyone who feels that they may have fallen victim to a drugging to attend the hospital and they have the capability to determine what substances may be in their system."

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While the investigation continues to determine where the victims were drugged, police said it was important to alert the public.

"Symptoms can advance very quickly to a point where they’re not able to effectively communicate, they lose consciousness and they end up in a poor state very quickly," he said.

"So it's important to let other individuals know.”

A spokesperson for the downtown business association said the news is troubling on many levels.

"It’s extremely disturbing and it's very frustrating to hear, you know?" said Robbie Jones, Downtown Sudbury BIA co-chair.

"It's just very, very frustrating because we want this downtown to be a safe place and when you hear of these types of incidents happening, it really kind of ruins the vibe of what we’re trying to create. And it's scary."

In addition to the danger to the victims, Jones said this is another blow to the downtown already struggling to recover from the COVID-19 pandemic.

"We’re trying really hard to attract people back to our beautiful downtown and we know that foot traffic helps make everything actually much safer," he said.

"Then when these incidents happen, it definitely does deter us from what we’re trying to do and we take it super seriously. We’re very upset about this and we’re actively working on solutions."

Common symptoms associated with being drugged include:

• Feeling or acting drunk despite having limited alcohol

• Feeling confused or disoriented

• Losing consciousness

• Being unable to remember details of the night

• Problems talking and slurred speech

• Trouble controlling your muscles

• Nausea and vomiting

Anyone who may have been drugged around the same time or who has information that could help the investigation is asked to report it by calling 705-675-9171, or through Crime Stoppers at 705-222-8477.

"Your personal safety and the safety of our community is of the utmost importance," police said.

"If you are going out, always go with someone you know and trust. Never leave your drink unattended. If you do, buy another drink. If you begin to experience symptoms associated (with) being drugged, tell a friend and leave the establishment. If your symptoms require medical attention, attend the hospital and please report the incident to police."