The local Crime Stoppers association is applauding Sault Police for charging an alleged drug trafficker with manslaughter in connection with a fatal fentanyl overdose.
Numerous police forces have laid similar charges in recent years, with the goal of holding an opioid dealer criminally responsible for a person’s overdose. But last week’s arrest marked the first time such a charge had been laid in Sault Ste. Marie.
“Crime Stoppers of Sault Ste. Marie and Algoma District would like to express our support of the manslaughter charges laid last week regarding a fatal fentanyl overdose death in Sault Ste. Marie,” the organization said in a news release issued this morning. “Crime Stoppers recognizes the opioid epidemic in our District and would like to acknowledge the Sault Ste. Marie Police Service for their dedication to pursuing individuals who traffic deadly narcotics in our community.”
In an interview with SooToday on Friday, the mother of the overdose victim also praised police for pursuing a manslaughter conviction.
“I think people who are poisoning people should be put away,” said Tania Williams, whose 24-year-old son, Paris, died on March 7, 2023 in the 200 block of Bruce Street. “You’re killing people, you’re a serial killer.”
Below is the full news release from Crime Stoppers:
Crime Stoppers of Sault Ste Marie and Algoma District would like to express our support of the manslaughter charges laid last week regarding a fatal fentanyl overdose death in Sault Ste. Marie.
Crime Stoppers recognizes the opioid epidemic in our district and would like to acknowledge the Sault Ste. Marie Police Service for their dedication to pursuing individuals who traffic deadly narcotics in our community.
Crime Stoppers encourages the community to submit information about drug traffickers or information about any crime or suspicious activity. Crime Stoppers accepts tips 24/7 by phone at 1-800-222-8477, or online at www.saultcrimestoppers.com. You can also submit tips using our P3 app. Your anonymity is 100 per cent guaranteed. You never have to give your name or testify in court. If your tip leads to an arrest, you may be eligible for a reward of up to $2,000.
Crime Stoppers is a registered not-for-profit charitable community service program. We are not a law enforcement agency. Crime Stoppers of Sault Ste. Marie and Algoma District is run by a volunteer civilian board of directors. We are committed to making Sault Ste. Marie and Algoma District safer.
As a registered charity, Crime Stoppers of Sault Ste. Marie and Algoma District relies on our fundraising efforts and donations to support our goal of making our district a safer place for everyone. Donations can be made on our website or by e-transfer to [email protected].
If you are interested in joining our board of directors, click here for more information Crime Stoppers Board of Directors.